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DIGEST 

OF THE 

DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE 

OF THE 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF 
ODD FELLOWS 

OF THE 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO AND INCLUDING 
THE ANNUAL SESSION IN OCTOBER 

1905 
NOW IN FORCK 

TOGETHER WITH THE 

CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS, RULES OF ORDER OF SAID GRAND 
LODGE, AND THE GENERAL LAW FOR THE GOVERN- 
MENT OF SUBORDINATE LODGES AND CODE 
FOR TRIAL IN SUBORDINATES UNDER 
THE JURISDICTION OF SAID 
GRAND LODGES 

AS AMENDED TO THE CLOSE OF THE 

ANNUAL SESSION IN OCTOBER, 1905. 

COMPILED BY 

; GEORGE DEAN, P. G. M., P. G. P., P. G. R. 

4 

PUBLISHED BY ORDER 

OF THE 

GRAND LODGE 



o^ 






LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Cooies Received 

WAR 1 J906 

q Copyright Entry 
MJLASS #/ XXc. No. 
OPY B. 



'U 




Copyright, 1906, by the 

GRAND LODGE, I. O. O. F., 

of Michigan. 



PRESS OF 

WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD CO. 

LANSING, MICH. 



PREFACE. 



To the Odd Fellows of Michigan : 

Brothers — Our Grand Lodge having at its annual ses- 
sion in October, 1904, authorized the undersigned to com- 
pile a digest of the laws and decisions of said Grand 
Lodge. In compliance with such authority, shortly after 
the close of the session of 1904 I entered upon the work, 
and after many days and nights reading and examining 
the record of the past and the laws of the order, the follow- 
ing pages have been prepared and are presented to the 
Brotherhood, in the hope that it may fill a long felt want, 
and enable Lodges and Members to correctly determine 
questions that are constantly arising in the business of the 
Lodge. While the undersigned does not anticipate that 
the work will meet with the approval of all, yet he fondly 
hopes that the work may be found substantially correct 
and be of service to the Lodges and Members of our be- 
loved Order in this our peninsular State. 

Respectfully and Fraternally. 

GEORGE DEAN, 

Compiler. 



ABBREVIATIONS USED. 

Art. — Article. 

A. T. P. W. — Annual Travelling Password. 

D. D. G. M. — District Deputy Grand Master. 

G. M. — Grand Master. 

G. L. U. S. — Grand Lodge of United States. 

G. L. — Grand Lodge. 

I. O. 0. F. — Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

J. G. L. of Mich. — Journal Grand Lodge of Michigan. 

N. G.— Noble Grand. 

P. G.— Past Grand. 

P. V. G.— Past Vice Grand. 

P. W. — Pass word. 

Rep. — Representative . 

S. A. P. W. — Semi Annual Pass word. 

Sec. — Section. 

Secy. — Secretary . 

Sov. Gr. Lodge. — Sovereign Grand Lodge. 

V. G. — Vice Grand. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Sec. i. Always in order. A motion to adjourn without 
day is always in order and may be made pending debate 
or before all the orders of business laid down in the Charge 
Book or in the By-Laws have been called. If the motion 
prevails, the lodge must then proceed to close in due form. 
In the event that cases of sick and distressed members 
have not been disposed of prior to the adoption of such 
motion, such cases shall be considered before the lodge 
formally closes. — J. G. L. of Mich., 1901, p. 214; Grand 
Rep. Report, p. 161. 



6 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 2. Until next regular meeting. A motion to ad- 
journ an Odd Fellows' lodge to another day or time is 
never in order. When a motion to adjourn is made, it 
must be without day, and, if adopted, the lodge is closed 
until the next regular meeting night, when the business 
interrupted by adjournment would be unfinished business. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, p. 214. 

Sec. 3. Without a day appointed. A subordinate lodge 
cannot adjourn to any other day or time and cannot hold ad- 
journed meetings. Its regular meetings must be closed in 
regular form, whether on motion to adjourn without day, 
or on the completion of the business of the evening. If 
the by-laws provide for calling special meetings, and a 
special meeting is desired, it may be called as provided 
for in the by-laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 92, 209. 

AID. 

Sec. 4. For the relief of a brother. A subordinate 
lodge may legally vote from its funds such sum as it may 
deem necessary, subject to the provision of the by-laws of 
the lodge, for the relief and assistance of a brother who 
is in needy circumstances caused by sickness in his family, 
the brother himself being in good health. In case the by- 
laws are silent on the subject, the amount of relief is in the 
discretion of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 81, 306. 

ANCIENT ODD FELLOW. 

Sec. 5. Expired withdrawal card. The holder of a 
withdrawal card which has expired before it is presented 
to a lodge with an application for membership, can only be 
admitted as an Ancient Odd Fellow under the provisions 
of the General Laws, Clause 7, Sec. 1, Art. 2. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1902, p. 247. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 



ANNIVERSARY. 

Sec. 6. Permission of Grand Master. Lodges have a 
right to celebrate the anniversary of the Order on April 
26, by carrying out the program laid down by the Sov. Gr. 
Lodge, either in public or in private ; but they have no right 
to have a procession, ball or party at which the regalia of 
the Order is worn or the name of the Order assumed with- 
out the permission of the Grand Master, such permission 
to be given only on the promise required by Sec. 7, Art. 2, 
by-laws of G. L. of Mich. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 245, 
318. 

APPEALS. 

Sec. 7. After action of Subordinate Lodge. In cases of 
appeal to the Grand Lodge by a party claiming benefits, 
it must appear that there has been a claim made upon the 
lodge and a refusal by the lodge of the claim, before the 
Grand Lodge will assume jurisdiction in the case, except 
to the extent of returning the case to the lodge with in- 
structions, if thought advisable.- — J. G. L. of Mich. 1874, 
pp. 81, 82. 

Sec. 8. From decision of N. G. When an appeal is 
taken from the decision of the N. G., the question on the 
appeal should be put by the N. G., not the V. G.- — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1881, pp. 35, 129. 

Sec. 9. Limit of appeal. An appeal to the Grand Lodge 
(except under the provisions of Clause 9, Sec. 4, Art. 2, 
General Laws), must be taken to the next session of the 
Grand Lodge following the action appealed from. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1867, p. 106. 

Sec. 10. Must conform to law. Members desiring to 



8 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

appeal to the Grand Lodge of Michigan from the action of 
a subordinate lodge, must conform to the law as to such 
appeals as set forth in Art. 4 of the by-laws of G. L. of 
Mich. 

Sec. 11. No appeal from finding of Trial Committee. 

No appeal can be taken from the finding of a Trial Com- 
mittee to the Grand Lodge. The appeal in the first in- 
stance must be to the lodge: when, if the action of the 
lodge is not satisfactory, an appeal may be taken to the 
Grand Lodge under the rules laid down in Art. 4 of the by- 
laws of the Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1879, p. 83. 

Sec. 12. To Sovereign Grand Lodge. An appeal to the 
Sov. Gr. Lodge from the decision, or action of the Grand 
Lodge does not work a stay of proceedings or judgment 
to any extent in any case. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, p. 136. 

Sec. 13. To Sov. Grand Lodge. A brother has been 
expelled from his lodge. On appeal to the Grand Lodge, 
the action of the lodge was set aside and the brother re- 
stored to membership. An appeal was taken to the Sov. 
Gr. Lodge from the action of the Grand Lodge in restoring 
the brother to membership. 

Such appeal to the Sov. Gr. Lodge does not act as a 
stay. The action of the G. L. is final and conclusive until 
reversed by the Sov, Gr. Lodge on appeal thereto. The 
brother must be recognized as a member until the action 
of the Grand Lodge is reversed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, 
p. 99. 

APPLICATIONS FOR AID. 

Sec. 14. Permission granted. All power vested in this 
Grand Lodge by the laws of the Order in the matter of 
granting permission to apply to subordinate lodges in this 
jurisdiction for aid, either for th N e relief of the subordinate 
lodge applying or for an individual member thereof, be 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 9 

and is hereby delegated to and vested in the Grand Master 
and may be exercised by him during the interim of the ses- 
sions of the Grand Lodge. In all cases where such per- 
mission is granted either by the Grand Lodge or by the G. 
M. in the interim, the G. M. shall furnish the lodge to which 
permission is granted, with a circular substantially in the 
form prescribed by Sec. 1048, White's Digest (Busbee's 
Digest 19 10); such circular to be under the seal of this 
Grand Lodge, and in sufficient numbers to furnish one to 
each lodge of which the lodge granted permission is au- 
thorized to ask relief. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, p. 148. 

Sec. 15. Without seal of Grand Lodge. A printed 
paper is received by a lodge purporting to be from the 
Grand Master authorizing a lodge to apply to sister lodges 
for aid. It is not in the form required by law, nor is it 
authenticated by the seal of the Grand Lodge. 

Such a paper is of no force or effect, and does not au- 
thorize subordinate lodges to entertain an appeal for aid 
or assistance. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1883, pp. 136, 137. 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

Sec. 16. For entertainments illegal. It is a violation 
of the laws of the Order and illegal for a subordinate lodge 
to appropriate its funds to pay for suppers, dinners, picnics 
or entertainments of any kind, for the members of the 
lodge, visitors or invited guests. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, 
p. 113. 

Sec. 17. Outside of Order. A subordinate lodge cannot 
legally vote money out of its treasury for charitable pur- 
poses other than those within the Order, nor to persons 
other than Odd Fellows. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, p. 112. 

Sec. 18. To brother not in good standing. A subordi- 
nate lodge" has a right to vote from its funds, money for the 



10 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

relief of a sick brother who is not in good standing or en- 
titled to sick benefits, such relief to be regarded as a do- 
nation. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 42, 103, 104. 

ASSESSMENTS. 

Sec. 19. Authorized by by-laws. A lodge can enforce 
payment only of such assessments as are authorized by 
their by-laws and the provisions of Clause 1, Sec. 2, Art. 2 
of the general laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, p. 112. 

Sec. 20. Constitute dues. Assessments made under the 
provisions of the by-laws of a lodge or the general laws 
of the jurisdiction to enable a lodge to pay sick benefits, 
funeral expenses, or to meet its legitimate obligations as a 
lodge, constitute dues; and the non-payment of such assess- 
ments within the time prescribed in the by-laws disquali- 
fies from benefits the same as the non-payment of regular 
dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, p. 99. 

Sec. 21. For special purposes. Fines imposed or assess- 
ments made under the provisions of the by-laws of the 
lodge for special purposes outside of the payment of a 
regular benefits and legitimate expenses, are not regular 
dues; and their non-payment does not disqualify from 
benefits, but renders the brother neglecting or refusing to 
pay liable to discipline for conduct unbecoming an Odd 
Fellow and to such penalty as the lodge may^ inflict after 
trial and conviction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, p. 100. 

Sec. 22. Illegal. A subordinate lodge cannot legally 
assess its members to pay balance due on a hall or for other 
purposes unless such assessment is provided for in the by- 
laws of the lodge, or authorized by the general laws of the 
Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 70, 215. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 11 



ATTORNEY'S FEES. 

Sec. 23. Must be authorized. A bill was presented to 
the lodge for an attorney's fee in a case of charges and trial. 
It was held that the bill could not legally be paid unless the 
employment of the attorney was authorized by the lodge. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 244. 

BALLOT. 

Sec. 24. Announcing ballot. In announcing to the N. 
G. the result of his examination of a ballot for membership 
or degrees, the V. G. will use the words ''favorable" or 
"unfavorable," as the case may be. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1902, p. 242; J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 89, 306. 

Sec. 25. Must be separate. It is not allowable or legal 
to vote for two or more applicants for membership or de- 
grees at one ballot. There must be a separate ballot on 
each applicant. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 244; 1905, pp. 
282, 2S3. 

BARTENDER. 

Sec. 26. Withdrawal card. A brother has engaged in 
the business of tending bar in a saloon. The lodge may 
grant such brother a withdrawal card, provided no charges 
have been preferred against him, or shall be preferred at 
the meeting at which such application for card is made. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 68, 207, 208. 

BENEFITS. 

Sec. 27. Attentive. A member of a lodge in arrears to 
an amount that disqualifies from being entitled to pe- 
cuniary benefits, but who has not been suspended, is still 



12 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

entitled to attentive benefits. It is a fundamental prin- 
ciple of Odd Fellowship that a brother in arrears for dues 
who is not dropped (suspended) is entitled to be visited 
by the officers of the lodge, and cared for in sickness al- 
though he may not be entitled to pecuniary benefits. 
Just how attentive benefits and care are to be rendered 
depends upon the by-laws of the lodge. — -]. G. L. of Mich. 
1897, pp. 72, 209; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 28. Charges preferred. A member of a lodge in 
good standing so far as the payment of dues was con- 
cerned, was sick. Charges were preferred in his lodge 
such charges bearing upon his right to benefits. During 
the pendency of such charges and before their final dispo- 
sition, the member died. 

The fact that charges have been preferred against a 
brother and are pending before the lodge at the time of the 
brother's death, does not affect his standing or right to 
benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1883, pp. 137, 138, 141. 

Sec. 29. Dependent on personal disability. A brothei 
in business is sick and unable by reason of such sickness or 
disability to personally direct or manage his business, 
although in his absence it is conducted by his agent or em- 
ployees. Such brother, if in good standing and sick to 
an extent that prevents him from managing and directing 
his business in person, is entitled to sick benefits. The 
right to benefits is not dependent upon a brother's finan- 
cial standing or whether he has a business conducted by 
others during his absence, but upon his personal disability. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 40, 103, 104. 

Sec. 30. Depending on by-laws. It depends upon the 
by-laws of a lodge whether a brother whose dues were 
paid to January 1, 1897, an< 3- who was disabled by cutting 
his foot on March 31, 1897, is entitled to benefits or not on 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 13 

account of such disability. If, under the by-laws, a 
brother is beneficial until thirteen weeks in arrears, then the 
brother was beneficial so far as the payment of dues was 
concerned; but, on the other hand, if the by-laws required 
payment of dues in advance and disqualified from benefits a 
brother less than thirteen weeks in arrears, then the brother 
would not be beneficial. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 81, 
215; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 31. Dependent on by-laws. It depends on the 
by-laws of a lodge whether a brother is beneficial or not 
when ten weeks in arrears. If under the by-laws a brother 
is under no disqualification by reason of non-payment of 
dues when ten weeks in arrears, then the brother is en- 
titled to benefits so far as his pecuniary standing is con- 
cerned. But, if the by-laws require payment of dues in 
advance and disqualify from benefits brothers in arrears 
for any amount or length of time (of ten weeks or less), 
then the brother would not be beneficial. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1897, pp, 72, 210; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 32. Disabled brother. Whether a brother who, as 
a result of sickness, is unable to use his hands to do manual 
labor or to write or even to dress himself, but is able to be 
around and superintend his work, is entitled to benefits is 
a question which must be determined in the first instance 
by his lodge. Then if the decision of the lodge is not sat- 
isfactory, an appeal may be taken to the Grand Lodge 
under the provisions of Art. 4 of the by-laws of the Grand 
Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 82, 306. 

Sec. 33. Effect of charges. The preferring and pen- 
dency of charges do not affect the right of a brother to 
benefits, unless the charges bear upon the rights to benefits, 
in which case the charges operate as a stay of payment 
until a final decision, and payment is subject to such de- 
cision. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1866, p. 37. 



14 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 34. Effect of pension. The fact that, a brother is 
in receipt of a pension from the government for disability 
does not necessarily affect his right to sick benefits. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 75, 211 ; 1898, p. 213. 

Sec. 35. Fixed by standing when taken sick. It de- 
pends upon the by-laws of a lodge whether a brother is 
beneficial or not until thirteen weeks in arrears. There is 
no general law upon the subject. If, under the provisions 
of the by-laws of a lodge, a brother is beneficial until thir- 
teen weeks in arrears, then, the brother's dues being paid 
to October 1, 1896, he was not thirteen weeks in arrears 
when taken sick on December 25, 1896, and was beneficial 
during such sickness. 

The status of a brother as to being beneficial or non- 
beneficial is fixed by his standing when taken sick. If 
beneficial at that time, he cannot become non-beneficial 
during such sickness. The fact that the brother was not 
reported sick until January 13, 1897, is not material, the 
fact of sickness on December 25, 1896, being established. 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 76, 212; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 36. Funeral benefits. Where the by-laws of a 
lodge provide for the payment of a funeral benefit on the 
death of the wife of a brother in good standing, and the 
brother dies first, the lodge is bound to pay the sum pro- 
vided on the death of his widow, provided that she re- 
mains his widow up to the time of her death. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1887, p. 127; 1889, pp. 80, 81, 209; 1905, pp. 63, 
277. 

Sec. 37. In arrears when, taken sick. A brother who 
was in arrears at the commencement of sickness to an 
amount that under the by-laws disqualified him from sick 
benefits, cannot, by the payment of dues after the com- 
mencement of sickness, make himself beneficial during the 
continuance of such sickness. In case death results from 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 15 

such sickness, no funeral expenses or benefits are to be 
paid. — J. G. L. of Mich. iqo2, p. 249; 1891, p. 139; 1894, 
PP- 55. M 8 - 

Sec. 38. Insanity. A brother insane and confined in an 
asylum is entitled to benefits the same as when suffering 
from bodily sickness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 66, 201. 

Sec. 39. Insanity. A member of a lodge in good stand- 
ing became insane and was confined in an asylum. He 
had a wife and family. The benefits due the brother were 
properly paid by his lodge to his wife for the use and bene- 
fit of herself and family, and such payment to his wife 
would estop any claim on the part of the brother in case of 
his recovery and his making any such claim. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1899, pp. 96, 97, 209. 

Sec. 40. In subordinate lodge and encampment. A 

brother who is sick and is drawing benefits from his sub- 
ordinate lodge and encampment, desires to be reported 
out of care in the encampment. Such desire on his part 
does not affect his right to benefits in the subordinate 
lodge, and, so long as his sickness continues, he is entitled 
to benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 91, 207. 

Sec. 41. Mailing a check for dues. A member was in 
arrears to an amount that disqualified him from benefits 
under the by-laws of his lodge. While so in arrears he 
mailed a check for dues from another city. Before the 
remittance reached his lodge, the member was injured. It 
is held that under the conditions stated, the member is 
not entitled to benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 62, 
201. 

Sec. 42. Member over fifty years of age. The fact that 
a brother is over fifty years of age, does not affect his right 
to benefits, and, if a beneficial member and in good stand- 



16 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

ing, benefits must be paid to him, if the brother is sick or 
disabled to an extent that entitles him to benefits under the 
by-laws of the lodge. As a matter of course, if the brother 
was admitted or reinstated as a non-benefit member, he 
would not be entitled to pecuniary benefits under any cir- 
cumstances. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 82, 306. 

Sec. 43. No application necessary. It is the duty of a 
lodge to vote benefits to a brother who is entitled to them, 
whether he makes application or not. If the brother en- 
titled to benefits does not wish the money, he may donate 
it to the Widow and Orphan Fund or otherwise, as he may 
think proper. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1878, pp. 42, 43. 

Sec. 44. Not affected by indebtedness. A brother is 
indebted to his lodge on a note. He is in good standing, 
under no disqualification by reason of non-payment of 
dues. The fact of his owing the lodge money on note 
does not affect his right to benefits, if sick and otherwise 
entitled to them. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 65, 154. 

Sec. 45. Not entitled to. A brother ceases to be entitled 
to benefits (sick or funeral) when he becomes a sufficient 
amount in arrears to render him non-beneficial under the 
by-laws of his lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, p. 105. 

Sec. 46. Paid to a county charge. A member insane 
and confined in an asylum as a county charge, if in good 
standing at the time he was taken sick or became insane, 
is entitled during such sickness or insanity to such sick 
benefits as may be provided in the by-laws of his lodge, 
and his right to such benefits is not affected by the fact 
that such brother is a county charge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1901, pp. 65, 209, 210. 

Sec. 47. Payable one week after sickness. A brother 
was taken sick March 13 and reported sick to a brother on 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 17 

that date. The latter reported the brother sick to the 
lodge at its regular meeting March 17. His sickness would 
date from March 13, but, as the General Laws, Clause 2, 
Sec. 2, Art. 2, provide that benefits are not to be paid for 
the first week's sickness or any fraction of a week there- 
after, therefore, the brother being beneficial, the right to 
benefits commences one week after the commencement of 
sickness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 82, 306. 

Sec. 48. Retained for dues. A member of a lodge in 
good standing when taken sick cannot become in arrears 
so as to disqualify him from benefits during the continu- 
ance of such sickness, as it is the duty of the lodge to retain 
sufficient of the sick benefits allowed him to pay his dues 
and keep him in good standing. If they neglect to do so, 
they cannot take advantage of their own neglect to the 
injury of the sick brother. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 82, 
306; 1897, pp. 81, 208; 1898, p. 141; 1905, pp. 62. 277. 

Sec. 49. Right to benefits. A brother in good standing 
(beneficial) lost a finger. He is in a mercantile and livery 
business and is able to be about and superintend and 
manage his business to a certain extent at least. Such a 
brother would not be entitled to sick benefits, provided 
the statement as to his ability to superintend and manage 
his business is correct. But the question of a brother's 
right to benefits claimed, must, in the first instance, be 
determined by his subordinate lodge, subject to appeal if 
the decision is not satisfactory. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, 
P- 159- 

Sec. 50. Right to benefits. A brother who is unable to 
work, being crippled by rheumatism, but is able to walk 
one-fourth of a mile, as a general rule would be entitled to 
sick benefits, though there might be circumstances which 
would take the case out of the general rule. In any event, 
the question of a brother's right to benefits is one to be 
2 



18 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

passed upon, in the first instance, by the brother's lodge, 
from whose action, if not satisfactory, an appeal may be 
taken to the Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 71, 
209; 1898, p. 141. 



Sec. 51. Sickness and insanity. A brother in good 
standing and entitled to benefits, was taken sick and be- 
came insane. He had no family and had ample funds for 
his support. A week's benefits were tendered him, but he 
had no comprehension of what the money was for. The 
question arose what should be done with the money due 
the brother, he having no immediate use for it and no 
family entitled to receive it. 

Decision. His benefits should be retained in the treas- 
ury of the lodge in a separate and distinct fund in trust for 
the member, to be paid when demanded by him, or other- 
wise used for his maintenance and support. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1899, pp. 93, 209. 

Sec. 52. Taken sick while beneficial. Would a brother 
taken sick four days before the by-laws cut off his benefits 
(on account of arrearage of dues) be entitled to benefits 
if he were not reported sick until three days after he was 
cut off? (The lodge paying no benefits for first week's 
sickness unless the brother is sick for two weeks.) 

Decision. He would. Having been beneficial when 
taken sick, he remains beneficial during the continuance 
of such sickness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1859, p. 122. 

Sec. 53. Time after payment of arrears. A subordi- 
nate lodge may provide by its by-laws that a brother who 
is over thirteen weeks in arrears, and, on account of such 
arrearages, not beneficial, shall not be beneficial until four 
weeks, or other reasonable time, after the payment of 
arrearages. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 82, 208; 1896, p. 
141. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 19 

Sec. 54. Without formality of a vote. It is permissible 
for a N. G. by unanimous consent to direct the secretary 
to draw an order on the treasurer for sick benefits without 
the formality of a vote of the lodge. If objection is made, 
a motion and vote are necessary. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, 
P- 235- 

Sec. 55. When entitled to. A member joining a lodge 
by card or otherwise, is entitled to benefits at the expira- 
tion of the time stated in the by-laws of the lodge joined, 
and not before that time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1853, p. 167; 
1905, pp. 62, 277. 

BONDSMEN. 

Sec. 56. Persons not members of the Order may be 
bondsmen for the officers of a subordinate lodge. — J. G. L. 

of Mich. 1885, p. 85. 

BOOKS. 

Sec. 57. Work Book not to be taken from lodge room. 

It is illegal for the N. G. to allow the Work Book to be 
taken from the lodge room for the purpose of learning 
charges or for an}' other purpose. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1875, 
P- *33- 

BORROWING MONEY FROM LODGE. 

Sec. 58. Does not affect right to card. A brother bor- 
rows money from his lodge, and this sum is long past due 
but unpaid. The brother's dues, however, are paid in 
advance. Such brother is entitled to a visiting card up 
to the time for which his dues are paid. His dues being 
paid and no charges pending against him, the fact of his 
owing the lodge borrowed money does not affect his right 
to the card. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 75, 216, 217; 
1898, p. 143. 



20 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 59. Not charged as dues. A brother borrows 
money from his lodge, which money he neglects and re- 
fuses to pay. The sum due cannot be charged up against 
the brother as dues nor can he be suspended for its non- 
payment as dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 73, 216; 
1898, p. 143. 

BUSINESS TRANSACTION. 

Sec. 60. Lodge has no jurisdiction. A brother bor- 
rows money of another brother, agreeing to pay the same 
next day, but fails to do so. After several months he still 
neglects and refuses to pay the same. 

This is a business transaction between the parties over 
which the lodge has no jurisdiction. The brother may 
seek redress in the civil courts, the only tribunal having 
jurisdiction in such matters. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 265. 

BY-LAWS. 

Sec. 61. Adoption and Approval. All by-laws and 
amendments to by-laws, upon their adoption shall at once 
be forwarded in duplicate to the chairman of the commit- 
tee on by-laws for examination and approval. Such 
by-laws or amendments to by-laws shall be accompanied 
by a certificate under seal of the lodge that such by-laws 
or amendments were duly and regularly adopted, and 
neither by-laws nor amendments to by-laws are of any 
force or effect until approved by the committee or by the 
Grand Lodge on appeal thereto, except as provided in Sec. 
10, Art. 2 of the by-laws of the Grand Lodge. — General 
Laws, Sec. 2, Art. 6. 

Sec. 62. Adoption. It is obligatory upon all subordi- 
nate lodges upon their institution to adopt a set of by-laws 
for their government, which by-laws they may amend at 
pleasure in the manner which shall be set forth in the by- 
laws. Neither by-laws nor amendments thereto are of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 21 

any force or effect until approved by the committee on 
by-laws of the Grand Lodge or by the Grand Lodge on 
appeal from the action of the committee. — J. G. L. of Mich. 

1895, pp. 95, 205; General Laws, Sec. 2, Art. 6. 

Sec. 63. Cannot be suspended. The by-laws of a sub- 
ordinate lodge cannot be suspended for any time or for 
any purpose. They can only be amended, modified or 
repealed in the way designated in the by-laws themselves. 
—J. G. L. of Mich. 1S80, p. 109. 

Sec. 64. Effect of approval of committee on by-laws. 

The approval of the committee on by-laws of a by-law 
which is in violation of the laws of the Sov. Gr. Lodge or 
this Grand Lodge, does not give any validity to such a by- 
law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1S94, p. 156. 

Sec. 65. Illegal. A by-law providing that all money 
paid into the lodge by a brother for dues shall at his death 
be paid to his widow, is an illegal by-law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 

1896, p. 215. 

Sec. 66. Legality of. A by-law was duly certified as 
required by law. The committee on by-laws has no right 
to ask or demand additional evidence as to the legality of 
its adoption. The certificate of the lodge is conclusive 
evidence, so far as the committee is concerned, of the fact 
certified. 

If any member of the lodge believed that the by-law was 
illegally adopted, it is his right to take a proper appeal to 
the Grand Lodge, when the legality of the action of the 
lodge in the matter would be passed upon. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1888, p. 101. 

Sec. 67. Paying for reinstatement. A by-law which 
provides that a member under suspension for non-payment 
of dues shall pay for reinstatement according to his age, 



22 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

is in violation of the laws of this grand jurisdiction (Clause 
2, Sec. 3, Art. 2 of the General Laws), and is therefore 
illegal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 153, 154. 

Sec. 68. Payment of sick benefits. The payment of 
sick benefits to members who have not attained the De- 
gree of Truth is optional with lodges, and a by-law which 
does not provide for the payment of benefits until a brother 
has attained the Degree of Truth is a legal by-law. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1899, p. 227. 

Sec. 69. Power to construe. No power is vested in the 
Grand Master to construe a provision of the by-laws of a 
subordinate lodge. Such construction must, in the first 
instance, be made by the N. G. subject to appeal to the 
lodge, from whose action an appeal may be taken to the 
Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, p. 245. 

Sec. 70. Suspension of. A subordinate lodge has no 
power to waive or suspend any part of its by-laws for any 
purpose. — -J. G. L. of Mich. 1877, p. 109. 

CARDS— VISITING OR WITHDRAWAL. 

Visiting Cards. 

Sec. 71. For more than one year. There is no law 
prohibiting the granting of a visiting card for a longer 
period than one year, and a lodge may grant such a card 
for any reasonable period for which dues are paid. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1 88 1, pp. 171, 172. 

Sec. 72. How granted. Application for a visiting card 
must be passed upon by the lodge. This may be done by 
a motion and vote, or it may be done by the statement 
of the presiding officer that the card will be granted if 
there is no objection. If no objection is made, the card 
is granted by common consent of the lodge, but, if any 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 23 

objection is made, the presiding officer will require a mo- 
tion and vote — J G. L. of Mich. 1882, p. 100. 

Sec. 72 1-2. Granted during recess. During the recess 
of their lodge, the N. G. and secretary may issue visiting 
cards to members in good standing when an application 
is made for them in writing, but they must report the 
granting of such card to the lodge at its next meeting. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 18S9, p. 93: 1890, p. 244. 

Sec. 73. Not leave of absence. The granting of a vis- 
iting card to an officer of a subordinate lodge does not in- 
volve the question of a leave of absence. — Mich. Digest 
i860, p. 37. 

Withdrawal Card. 

Sec. 74. Cannot be rescinded. The vote granting a 
withdrawal card cannot be reconsidered or rescinded, 
even if it be afterward ascertained that the brother wished 
only a visiting card. The brother must come before the 
lodge with the usual application for admission. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1859, pp. 99, 121, 122. 

Sec. 75. Granted by vote of Lodge. A subordinate 
lodge is not compelled to grant a withdrawal card to a 
member in good standing who makes application for such 
card. The laws of the Order require that withdrawal 
cards should be voted for by ball ballot and that a majority 
vote is necessary to grant such card; and, unless the ma- 
jority vote to grant the card, it is refused. In the latter 
case, the brother being in good standing (with dues paid 
to date) may tender a written resignation and receive from 
the secretary a certificate under seal, setting forth the 
fact of such resignation; or he may appeal to the Grand 
Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, pp. 55, 136. 

Sec. 76. Immediate ballot. When proper application 



24 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

is made for a withdrawal card, the brother making the ap- 
plication being free from charges and his dues paid to date 
of application, a ballot on granting the card should at once 
be taken, unless the lodge direct otherwise. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1876, p. 361. 

Sec. 77. Lost in transit. A withdrawal card having 
been lost in transit, the lodge granting such card may issue 
a duplicate of the same date as the original; or they may 
issue a certificate under seal, setting forth the fact of the 
original issue of the withdrawal card. The certificate so 
issued may be used, in lieu of a card, as evidence of with^ 
drawal from the Order while in good standing, and may be 
presented with an application for membership. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1899, PP- 8°> 206. 

Sec. 78. Not a waiver of jurisdiction. The granting of 
a withdrawal card to a brother applying therefor is not to 
any extent a waiver of jurisdiction over said brother, and 
no lodge outside of the jurisdiction where a brother resides 
can legally receive an application for membership by card, 
unless such application be accompanied by a waiver of 
jurisdiction from the lodge or lodges in whose jurisdiction 
the applicant resides. — J. G. of L. Mich. 1896, pp. 70, 215. 

Sec. 79. Not granted when in arrears. The vote by 
ball ballot, of a lodge, granting a withdrawal card to a 
brother in arrears, is not a legal vote and does not sever 
the brother's connection with his lodge; but a card so 
granted is a legal card until revoked, except between the 
lodge and the brother. — J. G. L. of Mich. 185 1, July session, 
P- 93- 

Sec. 80. Not granted when in arrears. The vote of a 
subordinate lodge, granting a withdrawal card to a brother 
who is in arrears to his lodge for dues (with the qualifying 
clause that ' 'the card he granted on his paying his dues ") 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 25 

is illegal, and does not sever the brother's connection with 
his lodge. No such card can be granted until the brother 
is clear on the books. — J. G. L. of Mich, i860, p. 165. 

Sec. 81. Not granted unless clear of charges. A brother 
applying for a withdrawal card, dues being fully paid to 
date of application, must also pay any legal assessments 
levied previous to his application for withdrawal card and 
until he does so, he is not clear of all charges on the books 
of the lodge. Until a brother is clear on the books, no card 
can be granted. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 243. 

Sec. 82. Rights of an initiatory member. An initiatory 
member has the same right to a withdrawal card as a third 
degree member. The card should show what degree the 
holder has attained. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 250; 1905, 
PP- 5 6 > 2 77- 

Sec. 83. Severs connection. The vote of a lodge grant- 
ing a withdrawal card to a brother who applies therefor, 
severs the connection of such brother with his lodge and re- 
leases the lodge from all liabilities for benefits. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1876, p. 243. 

CERTIFICATES— OFFICIAL AND DISMISSAL. 

Sec. 84. By whom made. Official certificates are made 
out and signed by the financial secretary, or, if the lodge 
has no financial secretary, then by the secretary. The N. 
G. signs such certificates and the recording secretary puts 
the seal on it, and no other officer has a right to use the 
seal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 85, 86, 306; 1904, pp. 63, 
201. 

Sec. 85. Entitled to. A member is entitled to an offi- 
cial certificate (receipt) every time he pays dues. Such 
receipts are issued and signed by the officer having in 



26 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

charge the accounts between the lodge and its members. 
The seal of the lodge is to be affixed by the recording sec- 
retary. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 67, 209, 210; 1902, p. 
245- 

Sec. 86. Holder entitled to pass word. When a brother 
pays dues he is entitled to an official certificate, and, if 
such official certificate shows dues paid to a date later 
than when the brother applies for the A. T. P. W. he is 
entitled to receive such P. W. ; or, if the official certificate 
is presented to a N. G. of a lodge in the jurisdiction issuing 
the certificate, the holder is entitled to the semi-annual 
or term pass word. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 85, 306. 

Sec. 87. Issuing Dismissal Certificates. Dismissal cer- 
tificates can be issued only to members under suspension 
for non-payment of dues. (See Clauses 5, 6, 7, Sec. 3, 
Art. 2, General Laws.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, p. 116. 

Sec. 88. Membership certificate in by-laws illegal. 

It is illegal for a lodge to insert in its by-laws a form of 
membership certificate for the members of the lodge, to 
be signed by the N. G. and secretary and having the seal 
of the lodge attached. Such a certificate comes within 
the express prohibition of the law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1880, 
p. 108. 

Sec. 89. Official certificate presented for pass word. 

The holder of an official certificate (receipt) showing dues 
paid to a date later than when presented for pass word, is 
not entitled to semi-annual pass word outside of the State 
in which the lodge issuing the official certificate is located. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 84, 306. 

Sec. 90. Signed and sealed. An official certificate when 
used for the purpose of visitation must be signed by the 
N. G. and the secretary issuing the same, and must be au- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 27 

tlienticated by the seal of the lodge — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1903, pp. 85, 306. 

Sec. 91. Visiting on official certificate. To entitle a 
brother to visit on any official certificate, the certificate 
must show dues paid to a date later than when he desires 
to visit. The fact that a brother is in possession of the A. 
T. ? P. W. docs not entitle such brother to admission to a 
lodge as a visitor unless he is in possession of an official 
certificate showing dues paid to a date later than when he 
desires to visit. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 85, 306. 

CHARGES. 

Sec. 92. Against a Noble Grand. Charges are pre- 
ferred against a N. G. and a trial is in progress but has not 
been concluded when the term of the N. G. expires. On 
the expiration of his term of office, he is entitled to a Past 
Grand's certificate, provided he has filled the office a ma- 
jority of the nights of the term and to the end thereof. 
Every brother is presumed to be innocent until found 
guilty, and, under the laws of the Order, the only effect 
of undecided charges is to prevent the member charged 
from taking a visiting or travelling card, and, where the 
charges bear upon the right to benefits, to suspend pay- 
ment until a final decision. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 63, 
i54, 156. 

Sec. 93. Against the Vice Grand. When the N. G. is 
one of the parties signing charges against the Vice Grand, 
it is competent for the N. G. to perform the duties of his 
office, in the matter of the appointment of the Trial Com- 
mittee. Where the by-laws provide that the Vice Grand 
shall appoint the minority of the Trial Committee, the 
Vice Grand must vacate his chair which will be filled by 
the proper officer, who will make the appointment. — J. G 
L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 95, 96. 



28 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 94. Committee. In a case where a committee on 
charges is appointed and the committee neglects to act as 
required by law, it is proper and legal to discharge the 
committee and appoint a new committee in the case. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 62, 201. 

Sec. 95. Does not affect installation. The fact that 
charges have been preferred and are pending against a 
N. G. or other officer elect does not affect the right of such' 
officer elect to be installed. As the only effect of unde- 
cided charges is to deprive the member of the right to take 
a travelling or visiting card, and, where the charges bear 
upon the rjght to benefits, to suspend the payment until a 
final decision; therefore, the officer elect, being otherwise 
qualified, must be installed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, P- 89. 

Sec. 96. Editor of a paper. A brother who is the editor 
of a paper cannot be compelled as a witness before a Trial 
Committee to disclose who are his correspondents. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 95, 96. 

Sec. 97. Effect of charges. The only effect of unde- 
cided charges is to prevent the brother from taking a vis- 
iting or travelling card, and, when the charges bear upon 
the right to benefits, to suspend the payment of the same 
until a final decision is made. Therefore a brother under 
charges may be elected to an office in his lodge. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1894, pp. 56, 148. 

Sec. 98. For slander. Charges may be preferred against 
a brother for slandering a brother who is under suspension 
for non-payment of dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, p. 95. 

Sec. 99. Noble Grand's position. The fact that a N. G. 
was one of the parties that preferred charges against a 
brother does not affect his right to perform the duties of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 29 

his office in connection with charges. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1886, p. 95. 

Sec. 100. Signed by one member. Charges against a 
member cannot be accepted or acted upon to any extent 
when signed by only one member. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, 
pp. 71, 215. 

COMMITTEES. 

Sec. 1 01. Appointment of. The members of a com- 
mittee may be appointed by motion and vote of the lodge, 
and the N. G. and V. G. may be named as members of a 
committee so appointed, excepting that committees whose 
appointment is vested by law in the N. G. or in the N. G. 
and the V. G. must be appointed by such officers, and ex- 
cepting further that a Trial Committee must be appointed 
as provided in Clause 3, Sec. 4, Art. 2 of the General Laws 
. and a N. G. cannot serve on such Trial Committee. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 80, 214; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 102. Investigating committee. A committee ap- 
pointed to investigate an application for membership 
should report at the meeting of the lodge following their 
appointment or ask for further time, and, if the committee 
neither report nor ask for further time, the lodge may dis- 
charge the committee and appoint a new one. A lodge 
may legally extend the time for such a committee to re- 
port, just so long as the majority deem it necessary. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 56, 142. 

Sec. 103. Investigating committee. The signing of the 
report of an investigating committee on a candidate for 
membership by two members of the committee is suffi- 
cient. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 93, 209. 

Sec. 104. Relief committee. It is competent for 



30 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

the lodges in any city or village to organize a Relief'Com- 
mittee if they so desire without any action on the part of 
the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1889, p. 144. 

COMPLAINTS. 

Sec. 105. Lodge must have notice. A brother com- 
plained to the Grand Lodge of the action of his lodge in 
the matter of granting him a withdrawal card. The com- 
mittee made the following report which was adopted by 
the Grand Lodge: 

Report of committee: It does not appear that the lodge 
had any notice that the matter was to be brought to the 
Grand Lodge. We are of the opinion that it would be im- 
proper to attempt to pass upon the question at issue upon 
the exparte statement of the brother. We therefore rec- 
ommend that the communication be returned to the 
brother with the information that, if he desires to bring 
the action of his lodge in review before this Grand Lodge, 
he must do so by appeal under the provisions of Art. 4 of 
the Grand Lodge by-laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 97, 
98. 

CONSOLIDATING LODGES. 

Sec. 106. Law. The law as to the consolidation of 
lodges is fully set forth in the by-laws of the Grand Lodge 
of Mich. Sec. 12, Art. 2. 

Sec. 107. New name not allowed. Two or more subor- 
dinate lodges consolidated into one subordinate lodge, 
under the provisions of Sec. 12, Art. 2, by-laws of Grand 
Lodge, must be known by the name and number of one of 
the consolidated lodges. No dispensation can be issued 
assigning a new name and number to the consolidated 
lodge. — J. G.L. of Mich. 1902, p. 243. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 31 

CONTINGENT FUND. 

Sec. 108. How acquired. Subordinate lodges may se1 
aside five per cent of their total receipts for dues, but from 
no other source, as a contingent fund to be expended for 
other purposes than the regular expenses of the lodge. By- 
laws of Grand Lodge of Mich. Sec. 2, Art. 2. 

Note. — For a more definite statement of the purposes 
for which a contingent fund may be used, see Clause 4, 
Sec. 2, Art. 2, General Laws. 

Sec. 109. Purposes. The purposes for which a con- 
tingent fund may be used are found in the General Laws, 
Clause 4, Sec. 2, Art. 2, last paragraph. 

Sec. no. Law not retroactive. The five per cent au- 
thorized to be set aside as a contingent fund is five per 
cent of the amount received for dues and from no other 
source, and the by-law providing for a contingent fund is 
not retroactive, the five per cent to be set aside is simply 
five per cent of the dues received after the amendment 
creating such contingent fund becomes operative. The 
five per cent is to be set aside at the time and in the manner 
which the lodge may direct. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 
72. 147; 1903, pp. 92, 306. 

Sec. in. Uses of. The contingent fund when pro- 
vided for by the by-laws of a lodge and consisting of five 
per cent of the amount received for dues but from no other 
sources, cannot be used for pleasure excursions nor the 
mere gratification of the members of the Order, but may be 
approrpriatc d for the purpose of providing flowers or music 
at the funerals of deceased members, the payment of neces- 
sary railway or carriage expenses of bearers or of members 
attending such funeral, and for such purposes as tend to 
present the Order to the public in its true light, such as the 



32 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

procuring of speakers to instruct in the tenets of the Order, 
and in such kindred ways as will awaken general interest 
in the Order and its work. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, p. 101 ; 
General Laws of G. L. of Mich. Clause 4, Sec. 2, Art. 2. 

CONVICTION IN CIVIL COURT. 

Sec. 1 12 . Expulsion. A member of a lodge who has been 
convicted of crime in the civil courts and sentenced and is 
serving a term in states prison cannot be expelled simply 
by a vote of his lodge. In case a brother is convicted of 
crime, sentenced and imprisoned in states prison or other 
prison of equal grade, it is only necessary to prefer a charge, 
alleging the fact of such conviction, sentence and impris- 
onment and present evidence to sustain the allegation ; 
also to fully identify the person convicted, sentenced and 
imprisoned and the member named in the allegation as 
one and the same person; when the member so convicted, 
sentenced and imprisoned shall be expelled. Clause 2, 
Sec. 4. Art. 2, General Laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 
71,215. 

Note. — It will be noted that under the above cited pro- 
vision of the General Laws, it is only necessary to allege 
in the charge the conviction, sentence and imprisonment, 
and it would be proper to allege in what court such con- 
viction took place ; but it is not necessary or proper to make 
any allegation as to the crime or its nature. The fact of 
the conviction, sentence and imprisonment is sufficient 
under the laws set forth in Clause 2. — Compiler. 

DEFUNCT LODGES. 

Sec. 113. Assigning number to new lodge. In, cases 
where no application for the restoration of the charter of a 
defunct lodge is made within five years of the surrender of 
such charter, it shall be competent for the Grand Lodge or 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 33 

its executive committee, in issuing a charter or dispen- 
sation for a new lodge, to assign the number of such defunct 
lodge as the number of such new lodge. But the assign- 
ment of such number shall not give the new lodge any 
claim to any of the effects of the defunct lodge whose num- 
ber is assigned to them. — By-Laws G. L. of Mich. Sec. i, 
Art. 2. 

Sec. 114. Funds and effects. The funds and effects of 
a defunct lodge when returned to the Grand Lodge shall 
be held in trust for two years, when, if not reclaimed, they 
shall be disposed of as the Grand Lodge may direct. All 
expenses incurred by the Grand Lodge in connection with 
the return of such effects and all amounts due the Grand 
Lodge from such defunct lodge shall be paid from the pro- 
ceeds of such sale or from the returned funds. The bal- 
ance, if any, shall be held in trust with the charter, or may 
be used for the benefit of the widows or orphans having 
claims upon such defunct lodge, or to assist working lodges 
in need of funds to sustain their organizations, as the 
Grand Lodge may direct. — By-laws, Grand Lodge of 
Mich. Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 115. New number. In case of the restoration of 
the charter of a defunct lodge whose number has been 
assigned under the provisions of Sec. 1, Art. 2, a new num- 
ber shall be assigned to such restored lodge, and an en- 
dorsement made on the charter restored, setting forth the 
reason for such change of number. — By-Laws G. L. of 
Mich. Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 116. Resuscitation of. When a defunct lodge is 
resuscitated only such brothers as applied for restoration 
of the charter and to whom it was restored are restored to 
their standing in the lodge. Others who were members 
of the lodge previous to its becoming defunct may be re- 
stored to their standing as provided in Clause 4, Sec. 3, 
3 



34 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Art. 2 of the General Laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, pp. 
5*. 5 2 , *33- 

DEGREES. 

Sec. 117. Conferred by sister lodge. When a lodge 
authorizes a sister lodge to confer a degree or degrees 
upon one of their members, it must be presumed that the 
degree or degrees have been paid for and the brother 
elected to receive them in his own lodge, which lodge alone 
is entitled to the fees for the degrees. The lodge is author- 
ized to confer the degrees cannot ballot for them nor are 
they in any event entitled to the fees. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1897, pp. 81, 215; 1898, pp. 63, 143. 

Sec. 118. Election to. A brother duly elected to re- 
ceive a degree has a vested right to receive such degree, 
and his election to such degree cannot be reconsidered un- 
der the provisions of Clause 10, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the Gen- 
eral Laws as that clause does not apply to election to de- 
grees. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 80, 215; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 119. Eligibility. Initiates are eligible to degrees 
one week after initiation. When proper application is 
made for degrees and the necessary fee paid, the applica- 
tion shall be announced and the ballot taken on the night, 
the application is made. No committee is necessary or 
required on an application for degrees. In case an appli- 
cant for a degree is rejected, his application shall not again 
be received until after the expiration of three months. In 
case the by-laws of a lodge fix any other or different time 
that a rejected applicant for degree must wait before mak- 
ing another application, any such provision in a by-law is. 
a contravention of the General Laws, illegal and void and 
must be held for naught. When the time fixed by law 
has expired and the rejected brother again makes appli- 
cation for degrees, the lodge must proceed the same as. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 35 

though his former application had not been rejected. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 87, 308. 

Sec. 120. Not voted for at a special meeting. Degrees 
cannot be voted for at a special meeting. The Grand 
Master cannot dispense with the law which prohibits bal- 
loting for membership or degrees at a special meeting. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 249. 

Sec. 121. Previous to initiation. A member admitted 
by initiation cannot be recognized as having received any 
further degrees unless they are conferred upon him by the 
lodge to which he was admitted or by its authority. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1874, p. 68; 1876, p. 247. 

Sec. 122. Separate ballots. When several brothers ap- 
ply for degrees at the same meeting, they must be bal- 
loted for separately. A ballot taken for several applicants 
collectively, whether favorable or unfavorable, is illegal 
and void. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, p. 187. 

Sec. 123. Voting for. When proper application has 
been made for the first, second and third degrees and the 
cost thereof deposited with the proper officer, the ballot 
for the first degree taken and the applicant declared 
elected; it is legal and proper to proceed to ballot for the 
second degree previous to conferring the first on the 
brother. If elected to the second degree, the brother may 
then be balloted for, for the third degree previous to the 
conferring of the first and second degrees. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1890, p. 141. 

DEGREE STAFF OR TEAM. 

Sec. 124. Displacing officers of lodge. A subordinate 
lodge may organi7e a degree staff or team in such manner 
as they may deem proper. Such team or staff in doing 



36 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

work cannot displace any officer of the lodge except with 
the consent of such officer, that is, no regularly installed 
officer of the lodge is obliged to give up his station to an 
officer of the staff or team. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 87, 
306. 

Sec. 125. N. G. of team. A Scarlet Degree member 
cannot act as Noble Grand of a degree team. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1889, pp. 58, 142; 1905, pp. 48, 277. 

Sec. 126. Qualifications. The brothers appointed to 
constitute a degree staff must be brothers who are legally 
qualified to take the chairs they are selected to fill, i. e., 
the P. G. in the staff must be a P. G., the N. G. must be a 
a P. G. or an installed N. G., the V. G. must be a P. G., an 
installed V. G. or a Past V. G. Any Scarlet Degree mem- 
ber may hold any other position in the staff, there being no 
qualifications as to service required of other members of a 
staff. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897. pp. 77, 212, 213; 1898, p. 
143; 1901, pp. 67, 209, 210. 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATE. 

Sec. 127. Admitting to membership. The holder of a 
dismissal certificate, which states that the holder has at- 
tained the third degree, may be admitted to membership 
on such dismissal certificate under the provisions of the 
General Laws, Clause 7, Sec. 1, Art. 2. He will be en- 
titled to rank as a member of the Degree of Truth. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 248. 

Sec. 128. Entitled to. Any member under suspension 
for non-payment of dues, who has applied for reinstate- 
ment and has been refused, is entitled to a dismissal cer- 
tificate on making application therefor and paying one 
dollar. "When such application accompanied by the re- 
quired amount is presented, it is the duty of the N. G. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 37 

and the secretary to issue the dismissal certificate. It is 
not allowable to submit the question of issue to a vote of 
the lodge. The fact that the applicant is only an initi- 
atory member is not material. The certificate must show 
the degree attained. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 90, 306. 

Sec. 129. Holder not an Ancient Odd Fellow. The 

holder of a dismissal certificate is not an Ancient Odd 
Fellow, but may be admitted to membership in a lodge 
on the same terms as an Ancient Odd Fellow; to wit, 
upon the payment of the sum specified in the by-laws of 
the lodge electing, which shall not be less than $3.00. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 75, 205; 1902, pp. 244, 245. 
General Laws of G. L. of Mich. Clause 7, Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 130. Severs all connection. A dismissal certifi- 
cate issued to a brother who is entitled to such certificate 
under the law entirely severs such brother's connection 
with the lodge and the Order. The lodge has no further 
jurisdiction over such brother nor can they revoke or recall 
such certificate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, p. 98*. 

Sec. 131. When legal. A dismissal certificate can be 
issued only to brothers under suspension for non-payment 
of dues, and, when issued to a brother not under suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues, is illegal and void. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1886, p. 98. 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. 

Sec. 132. Cannot be N. G. A D. D. G. M. cannot hold 
the offices of X. G. of a lodge and D. D. G. M. at the same 
time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1893, pp. 57, 128. 

Sec. 133. Cannot grant dispensation. A D. D. G. M. 

cannot grant a dispensation to elect a Scarlet Degree 
member, who has not rendered the service required by 



38 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

law, to the chair of N. G. or V. G., all qualified brothers 
having declined. Such dispensation can only be granted 
by the Grand Master. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 88, 1902, 
p. 245. General Laws, Clause 1, Sec. 3, Art. 3. 

Sec. 134. Cannot grant dispensation. A D. D. G. M. 

has no power to grant a dispensation authorizing a lodge 
to accept the report of a committee on a candidate on the 
night when such petition was referred to the committee, 
and then at the same meeting to ballot for the candidate. 
The powers of D. D. G. M. are confined to what is ex- 
pressed in their commissions. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, 
PP- *45> 146. 

Sec. 135. Dispensations. Any dispensation of a D. 
D. G. M. to be of any force or effect must be in writing. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1851, p. 93. 

Sec. 136. Dispensation to wear regalia. A D. D. G. 

M. is not authorized to grant a dispensation authorizing 
the lodge to turn out in regalia on any occasion. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1893, pp. 57, 78, 128. 

Sec. 137. Duty to install officers. Under the consti- 
tutional provision (Clause 12, Sec. 2, Art. 3) it is the duty 
of the D. D. G. M. to install the officers of his lodge or 
cause the same to be done by a qualified P. G. unless the 
same be done by the G M. in person. The D. D. G. M. 
therefore has power to deputize a qualified P. G. to install 
the officers of the lodge under his charge, in case he is 
unavoidably absent. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, p. 163. 

Sec. 138. Elected to chair of N. G. .It is not illegal to 
elect a D. D. G. M. to the office of N. G., but such election 
creates a vacancy in the office of D. D. G. M. of which 
vacancy the Grand Master should at once be notified. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 98, 209. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 39 

Sec. 139. Eligibility. A D. D. G. M. is eligible to any 
office in the lodge excepting those of N. G. and V. G. and 
may hold any other office while D. D. G. M. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1895, pp. 75, 205; 1896, pp. 68, 215; 1897, pp. 76, 
1S6, 208; 1898, p. 141; 1902, p. 246; 1905, pp. 47, 277. 

Sec. 140. Installing officers. A D. D. G. M. has a right 
to install the officers of his lodge so long as his commission 
is in force, even though he be six months in arrears for 
dues. The G. M. being advised of his deputy's arrears 
should annul his commission and so advise the lodge. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 151, 155. 

Sec. 141. May be suspended. A D. D. G. M. who in- 
stalls a N. G. and V. G. who have not complied with the 
law of the Grand Lodge adopted in 1886 as to memorizing 
the charges of their respective offices and the unwritten 
work of the degrees may be suspended from his office. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1891, p. 159. 

Sec. 142. Powers. A D. D. G. M. has no power to 
grant a dispensation authorizing a committee on an appli- 
cation for membership to report the same evening that 
said application was referred to them. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
185 1, p. 92, July session. 

Sec. 143. Powers. It is not the province of D. D. G. 
Ms to decide questions of jurisprudence (law). Their 
duties are confined to the authority expressed in their 
commissions. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1856, p. 7. 

1 
Sec. 144. Powers. D. D. G. Masters are not author- 
ized or empowered to pass upon or decide questions of law 
that may arise in their several lodges. Their powers and 
duties are set forth in their commissions and the constitu- 
tion of the Grand Lodge, Art. 3, Sec. 2, Clause 12, and 



40 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

they have no other powers or duties. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1890, p. 137; 1905, pp. 44, 277. 

Sec. 145. Questions of law. Decision of questions of 
law, on question or appeal, is not among the powers vested 
in the D. D. G. M. by the constitution of the Grand Lodge 
of Michigan nor is any appellate power vested in such 
officer. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, p. 362; 1878, pp. 44, 170. 

DONATION. 

Sec. 146. To a brother in ill health. A subordinate 
lodge may legally donate from its general fund to a brother 
in ill health although the brother has not been a member 
a sufficient time to be beneficial under its by-laws. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1902, pp. 246, 247. 

DUES. 

Sec. 147. Applying for withdrawal card. First. A 
brother applying for a withdrawal card is required to pay 
dues to the date of such application, and a lodge has no 
right to charge dues to the end of the quarter. Second. 
A brother taking a withdrawal card is entitled to dues paid 
in advance or beyond the date of application for card, and 
any credit on the books may be applied on price of card. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1876, p. 244; 1897, PP- 77> 2 °8; 1898, p. 141 ; 
1900, pp. 76, 149; 1902, p. 246; 1903, pp. 91, 306; 1904, 
pp. 63, 201, 65, 66, 201. 

Sec. 148. Cannot be remitted. A lodge cannot remit 
to a brother whom they have initiated and on whom they 
have conferred degrees, any or all of the money they have 
received for such initiation and degrees. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1867, p. 108; 1879, p. 137. 

Sec. 149. Cannot be refused. A subordinate lodge 
cannot previous to a brother's suspension, refuse dues 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 41 

when tendered in whole or in part whether the brother 
tendering the same be sick or well, at the time of making 
such tender. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 66, 209, 210. 

Sec. 150. Change of rate. First. Such dues as are pro- 
vided for by the by-laws apply to all members of the lodge, 
and the fact that a brother has paid his dues in advance 
does not release him from the payment of the difference 
between the old rate and the rate fixed in the amended 
by-law. Second. Amended by-laws take effect and are 
in force as soon as approved by the Grand Lodge or its 
committee on by-laws, and are to be enforced from that 
date. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 45, 317; 1877, p. 114; 
1900, p. 243- i9°5> PP- 5°> 279. 

Sec. 151. Duty of Financial Secretary. It is the duty 
of the financial secretary to charge up against all brothers 
at the end of each quarter such dues as are fixed by the 
by-laws. A brother neglecting or refusing to pay the 
same at or within the time provided by the by-laws is sub- 
ject to such disqualification as the by-laws or general reg- 
ulation of the Order may provide. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, 
pp. 245, 317; 1901, p. 243. 

Sec. 152. From date of membership. A brother is 
liable for dues only from date of his membership or initi- 
ation and a lodge has no right to charge dues from the 
commencement of the quarter.-*— J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 
243-4; 1878, p. 170; 1883, p. 136; 1890, p. 138; 1902, p. 
249. 

Sec. 153. Grand Lodge dues. Lodges are not required 
to pay their semi-annnal dues to the D. D. G. M., and, if 
they do so, it is at their own risk as such payment is not 
held to be payment to the Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1873, p. 131. 



42 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 154. Member admitted until suspended. A brother 
in arrears for dues to an amount which disqualifies him 
from receiving the S. A. P. W. is still entitled to admission 
to his own lodge until suspended. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, 
pp. 71, 215. 

Sec. 155. Notice of arrearage. When by provision of 
the by-laws, notice is required to be given by the financial 
secretary to members a certain amount in arrears, the pri- 
mary object of such notice is to aid in the collection of 
dues ; but the want of such notice does not excuse the de- 
linquency of the member or relieve him from the disability 
resulting from neglect to pay within the time required by 
law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1869, pp. 223, 224; 1888, pp. 41, 42, 
103, 104. 

Sec. 156. Paid in advance. Subordinate lodges may by 
provision of their by-laws require that dues shall be paid in 
advance, and may disqualify from benefits (sick and 
funeral) brothers not so paying, or in arrears to any amount. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 113, 114; 1883, p. 136; 1884, 
pp. 115, 116. 

Sec. 157. Paid in advance. A brother is entitled to 
dues which have been paid in advance when he takes a 
withdrawal card. — Michigan Digest i860, p. 38. J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1857, p. 6. 

Sec. 158. Paid out of contingent fund. It is held that 
money cannot be appropriated from the general fund to 
pay the dues of members under any circumstances ; but that 
lodges having a contingent fund, consisting of the five 
per cent authorized to be set apart as such fund, may at 
its discretion pay the dues of any class of its members 
from such fund. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 65, 88, 158. 

Sec. 159. Payment of. Payment in advance depends 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 43 

on local laws. Grand lodges are fully authorized, to de- 
clare in their several jurisdictions what sum of dues or 
what length of time a brother shall be in arrears for dues 
to constitute such brother non-beneficial. 

Notwithstanding decision No. 27 of Grand Sire Glenn 
(see Journal S. G. L. 1SS2, p. 9426), the Grand Lodge of 
this jurisdiction has taken no special action under the au- 
thority conferred by this law and the question of dues 
and benefits is, by the provisions of the General Laws, Clause 

1, Sec. 2, Art. 2 left to the subordinate lodge to be regu- 
lated by their by-laws. The by-law of a lodge requiring 
the payment of dues in advance and disqualifying from 
benefits brothers in arrears to any amount is a legal by- 
law.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 85. 

Note. — This control as to benefits is limited by the pro- 
visions of the General Laws of the jurisdiction. See Clause 

2, Sec. 2, Art. 2, General Laws. — Compiler. 

Sec. 160. Remitting. A subordinate lodge cannot le- 
gally remit dues to a member. Dues must be paid and 
their payment is a condition precedent to good standing 
and benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 215. 

Sec. 161. Remitting. A lodge cannot remit dues to a 
brother engaged in the ministry or any other brother. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1874, p. 6S; 1902, p. 251. 

Sec. 162. To Grand Lodge. Subordinate lodges are 
required to pay Grand Lodge dues on all unsuspended mem- 
bers, including all non-benefit members. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1887, p. 127. 

Sec. 163. When and where. It is the duty of a finan- 
cial secretary to accept the dues of members whenever 
and wherever tendered. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 264. 

Sec. 164. When to commence. The dues of a member 



44, THE DEAN DIGEST. 

commence at the date of his membership, that is, from the 
time of his signing the constitution, and must be paid from 
that date. The initiation or admission fee has nothing to 
do with dues nor can the lodge apply any part of such ad- 
mission fee on dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 91, 306; 
!9°5> PP- 53, 277. 

Sec. 164 1-2. When payment takes effect. In the ab- 
sence of local law or usage established by decisions of 
grand bodies directing otherwise, a payment upon dues 
takes effect from the date the same is received by the 
financial secretary, though made in recess. — J. S. G. L. 
1894, pp. i39 8 5> 14064. 

(No different law or usage has been established by our 
Grand Lodge). — Compiler. 

ELECTION. 

Sec. 165. All ballots formal. At an election of offi- 
cers in a subordinate lodge, a motion was adopted to take 
an informal ballot. This was illegal and void. When on 
such ballot one of the candidates for N. G. received a ma- 
jority of all the votes cast, he was elected. All action 
thereafter in taking a so-called formal ballot, by which an- 
other brother was declared elected N. G., was void. All 
ballots at an election of officers are formal, and, when any 
brother in nomination receives a majority of the votes 
cast, he is elected. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, p. 134. 

Sec. 166. Electioneering improper. The following was 
adopted by Grand Lodge. In the opinion of this Grand 
Lodge, it is highly improper for the nominee for any office 
in this Grand Lodge to attempt to aid his election by cir- 
culars or electioneering dodgers or by other similar means. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, p. 125. 

Sec. 167. Excluding blanks. At an election of officers 
in a subordinate lodge under the provisions of Clause 4, 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 45 

Sec. 3, Art. 3, blank ballots and all ballots other than 
those east for candidates in regular nomination shall be 
deemed invalid and excluded from the count. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1887, p. 125; 1902, p. 250. General Laws, Clause 4, 
Sec. 3, Art. 3. 

Sec. 168. For representative to Grand Lodge. At an 

election for representative to Grand Lodge, votes cast for 
a P. G. not in regular nomination are invalid and must be 
excluded from the count, and the election declared re- 
gardless of such invalid votes. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 
72, 149. 

Sec. 169. For representative to Grand Lodge. At an 

election for representative to Grand Lodge, ten brothers 
voted. There were three candidates. One received five 
votes, one four and one vote was a blank. The P. G. re- 
ceiving five votes was elected; as, under the law, blanks 
are not to be counted, five was a majority of the nine valid 
votes cast. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, pp. 50, 133 ; 1888, p. 28. 

Sec. 170. Illegal. At an election for Vice Grand, there 
being candidates in regular nomination, a majority of the 
votes were cast for a brother not in nomination, and he 
was declared elected. This was an error. The General 
Laws, Clause 4, Sec. 3, Art 3, in plain terms declare that 
blank ballots and all ballots, other than those cast for can- 
didates in regular nomination, shall be deemed invalid 
and shall be excluded from the count. The brother's 
election was wholly illegal. Any brother in nomination re- 
ceiving a majority of the valid votes cast was legally elected. 
—J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 92, 306; 1905, pp. 47, 277. 

Sec. 171. In absence of N. G. and V. G. An election 
of officers held in the absence of the N. G. and the V. G. 
with a P. G. in the Noble Grand's chair, and a member of 
the Degree of Truth in the Vice Grand's chair, is a legal 



46 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

election so far as the filling of the chairs of the N. G. and 
V. G. is concerned. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, pp. 56, 136. 

Sec. 172. Name on back of ticket. It is not necessary 
or proper for a P. G. at an election for Grand Lodge officers 
to write his name on the back of his ticket. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1881, p. 126. 

Sec. 173. Nominations declined. An election was held 
after all brothers in nomination had declined. The tellers 
announced eighteen ballots cast, ten for one brother and 
eight for another. The election was illegal. All brothers 
having declined, it was the duty of the lodge to proceed to 
make further nominations, and no election could take place 
until a candidate or candidates were in nomination for the 
office. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 69, 208. 

Sec. 174. Of brother in arrears. It is lawful to nomi- 
nate and elect to an office a brother otherwise qualified 
who is thirteen weeks or over in arrears for dues, unless 
the by-laws in express terms provide that a brother so in 
arrears shall be ineligible to nomination or election to office. 
But in the event of the nomination and election of a brother 
so in arrears, the disability must be removed previous to 
installation. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 158, 159. 

Sec. 175. On legal holiday. An election of officers held 
on a legal holiday is legal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 87. 

Sec. 176. Postponement. No quorum being present on 
the regular night of election, it is legal to elect officers at 
the next regular meeting. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, pp. 87, 
88. 

Sec. 177. Provision in by-laws. Clause 4, Sec. 3, Art. 
3 provides fully the manner of the election of subordinate 
lodge officers, and any provision in the by-laws of a lodge 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 17 

is entirely superfluous, but, if inserted, must conform 
strictly to the provisions of Clause 4, above referred to. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1S94, p. 156. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. 

Sec. 178. Settled by by-laws. The by-laws of a lodge 
provide that no member in arrears for dues shall be allowed 
to speak or vote on any question. The by-laws relating 
to brothers in arrears would govern as to speaking and 
voting, but would not debar running for office, unless the 
by-law specially provides that a candidate for trustee 
must be in good standing at the time of election. In the 
absence of such a specific provision, the law is satisfied if 
the. brother elected is in good standing when he assumes 
the duty of trustee. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 69, 208, 
209. 

EXAMINATION. 

Sec. 179. Of re-elected officers. A N. G. or V. G. re- 
elected must be examined previous to installation the 
same as brothers elected to either of said offices for the first 
time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 88, 306. 

EXPULSION. 

Sec. 180. Irregularities in proceedings. A brother was 
expelled for contempt. Some ten years thereafter he asked 
to be restored to membership, claiming that his expulsion 
was illegal. A committee of the lodge reported that they 
found irregularities in his expulsion. 

Decision: He must be treated as an expelled member 
and can only be readmitted as such. Even if the expul- 
sion was illegal, his acquiescence in it for nine years is a 
waiver of any right to insist upon any illegality at this 
late day. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 43, 103, 104. 



48 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



FILLING CHAIR. 

Sec. 181. Of Vice Grand. In the absence of the V. G. 
at the opening of the lodge, the Vice Grand's chair must be 
filled by a P. G. or a P. V. G., or in case no P. G. or P. V. 
G. is present, then the Vice Grand's chair may be filled 
by a Scarlet Degree member. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, pp. 
248, 277. 

FINES. 

Sec. 182. Fines are not dues. A by-law of a subor- 
dinate lodge disqualifying from sick benefits a brother who 
shall, for fourteen weeks, have neglected to pay a fine of 
•one dollar, is illegal, our Grand Lodge having held in 1882 
that fines are not dues and that the non-payment of a fine 
does not disqualify from benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, 
pp. 159, 160. 

FUNDS. 

Sec. 183. Contingent fund. Money cannot legally be 
taken from the general fund of a lodge to pay for flowers 
or carriages at a funeral, but a lodge whose by-laws provide 
for a contingent fund, consisting of five per cent of the 
amount received for dues (and from no other source) 
may pay from such fund for carriages and flowers for fun- 
eral occasions. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 61, 201. 

Sec. 184. Expended for dance or banquet. Illegal. It 

is illegal to expend the funds of a lodge in paying for invi- 
tations or tickets for a dance or banquet held by the lodge 
on April 26, or for other expenses which might accrue in 
connection with said dance or banquet. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1889, pp. 58, 142. 

Sec. 185. Expended in attorney's fees. A member of 
the order is convicted of a crime and sentenced to a term in 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 49 

State's Prison. In such a case the funds of the lodge can- 
not legally be voted to be expended in attorney's fees or 
other expenses to carry the case to the Supreme Court 
in an attempt to get a new trial or other relief. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1903, pp. 310, 311. 

Sec. 186. For railroad expenses. The funds of a lodge 
cannot be appropriated or used to pay the railroad expenses 
of members to attend the Grand Lodge to see the ' 'team' ' 
work. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, pp. 52, 133. 

Sec. 187. Illegal use. The general fund of a lodge can- 
not be legally used for the purpose of hiring hacks or pur- 
chasing floral pieces for a funeral. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, 
pp. 58, 128. 

Sec. 188. Illegal use. It is illegal to vote the funds of a 
lodge to pay the expense of an anniversary supper. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 55, 148. 

Sec. 189. Interest. When the treasurer of a lodge de- 
posits the funds of a lodge in a bank by the order of the 
lodge, the interest belongs to the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1902, p. 264. 

Sec. 190. Legitimate purposes. A lodge receives rent 
for its hall. The money so received belongs to the funds 
of the lodge and can be used only for the legitimate pur- 
poses of the lodge, which are defined to be — to meet the 
claims of sick and distressed members, to bury the dead, 
care for the widow and the orphan, and to meet the legiti- 
mate expenses of the lodge. The lodge cannot set such 
funds, received for rent, apart as a special fund to be used 
for purposes other than those above designated. — J. G. L. 
M Mich. 1887, pp. 50, 51, 133. 

Sec. 191. Misappropriation of. A subordinate lodge 
4 



50 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

may proceed in the civil courts against a former officer for 
misappropriation of lodge funds. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, 
pp. 62, 156. 

Sec. 192. Misappropriation. The funds of a lodge can- 
not be used to pay any expense in connection with any 
ball, party, excursion, banquet or the like, as these are not 
the legitimate purposes of the lodge. Any such expendi- 
ture is a misappropriation of the funds of the lodge. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 88, 207; 1900, p. 246; General Laws 
G. L. of Mich. Clause 4, Sec. 2, Art. 2. 

Sec. 193. Misappropriation. The action of a subordi- 
nate lodge in voting all its members whose dues are paid to 
January 1 a week's sick benefits, is illegal, and any such 
appropriation would be a misappropriation of the funds 
of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 67, 215. 

Sec. 194. Not to be donated to a Rebekah lodge. The 

funds of a subordinate lodge cannot legally be donated to 
a Rebekah lodge to pay for the pictures of a Rebekah lodge 
to hang in the lodge room. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 313. 

Sec. 195. Of a defunct lodge. The funds in the treasury 
of a lodge are the property of the lodge, held in trust, to be 
used only for the legitimate purposes of the Order, which 
purposes are set forth in the General Laws, Clause 4, Sec. 
2, Art. 2. In the event of a lodge becoming defunct, or 
for any reason ceasing to have a legal existence as a lodge 
of the I. O. O. F., all its effects including the funds in its 
treasury revert to the Grand Lodge and must be surren- 
dered to that Grand Body. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, pp. 248,. 
249. 

Sec. 196. Subject to law of order. The moneys re- 
ceived from the rent of a hall or other property owned by 
the lodge, are lodge funds; i. e., part o. the general fund of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 51 

the lodge and subject to the laws of the Order as to the use 
of lodge funds. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 73, 74, 149. 

Sec. 197. Use of. The funds, properties, etc., of sub- 
ordinate lodges having been raised for the purpose of re- 
lieving sick and distressed brothers and other charitable 
uses in the Order, are not liable to be divided in any man- 
ner among the members individually, but shall remain for 
its legitimate purposes the property of the lodge so long 
as its charter is unreclaimed and five brothers who have 
attained the Scarlet Degree remain in good standing in 
the lodge. — By-Laws G. L. of Mich. Sec. 2, Art. 2. 

Sec. 198. Voting of. A subordinate lodge cannot le- 
gally vote money to a member under suspension. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1896, pp, 69, 215. 

Sec. 198 1-2. Veteran and Honorable Veteran Jewels. 

Subordinate lodges may expend money from their general 
fund in the purchase of Veteran and Honorable Veteran 
Jewels for presentation to such of their members as are en- 
titled to wear such jewels, unless prohibited by local law 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 126, 127. 

Sec. 199. Widow and Orphan Fund. The Widow and 
Orphan Fund is a trust fund to be used only for the bene- 
fit of widows and orphans and cannot legally be used for the 
purposes of the general fund. — J. G L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 
73- 149- 

FUNERALS. 

Sec. 200. Attending in regalia. A subordinate lodge 
cannot attend in regalia the funeral of a member's wife 
except she was a member of a Rebekah lodge, and, in such 
case, only by permission of the proper Grand Officers. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 89, 207. 



52 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



FUNERAL EXPENSES. 

Sec. 201. Brother in arrears not entitled to. A brother, 
when taken sick, is in arrears to an amount which renders 
him non-beneficial under the by-laws of his lodge. The 
sickness continuing until his death, such brother is not en- 
titled to funeral expenses or benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1903, pp. 81, 306; 1905, pp. 61, 277. 

Sec. 202. Exceeding provision of by-laws. In the 

event of the death and burial of a brother and the expense 
of burial exceeding the amount allowed for funeral ex- 
penses by the provisions of the by-laws, it is competent 
for the lodge in their discretion to vote such sum in addi- 
tion to the sum provided by the by-laws, as they may 
deem proper under the circumstances. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1876, p. 331. 

Sec. 203. In case of indebtedness. A brother was 
treasurer of his lodge at the time of his death and indebted 
to the lodge, as treasurer, some two hundred fifty ($250) 
dollars. His dues were fully paid. The funeral expenses 
were paid by the administrator of the estate of the de- 
ceased. It was decided that under the law the sum pro- 
vided in the by-law to defray funeral expenses should be 
paid to the administrator who paid the expenses of the 
brother's funeral. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, pp. 247, 276, 277. 

Sec. 204. In case of suicide. A brother, a single man 
whose parents are not living but who has one sister, while 
in good standing in the lodge, commits suicide. Under 
the foregoing conditions, it is held: 

First. That funeral expenses are payable in case of 
suicide ; 

Second. That the sister has no claim to the sum pro- 
vided for funeral expenses (and improperly designated in 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 53 

the by-laws funeral benefits) simply as a sister. The sum 
provided is to be paid to whoever pays or incurs such 
funeral expenses. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 309; 1904, 
pp. 61, 201. 

Sec. 205. Member dies away from jurisdiction of his 
lodge. A brother dies away from the location of his lodge 
and in the jurisdiction of a sister lodge, which lodge at- 
tends his funeral, and, in so doing, incurs an expense for 
carriage or hack hire to convey the brothers of the lodge 
to the cemetery, and also for a floral piece. Such expendi- 
tures constitute no legal claim, and, if not a legal claim, 
then there is no moral obligation to pay such claim. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1904, p. 150, G. R. Report. 

Note. — The Grand Lodge of Michigan at the session of 
1904 approved, on recommendation of the Judiciary Com- 
mittee, Decision No. 36 of Grand Master Dailey in which 
he held that the lodge of which a deceased brother was a 
member in good standing at the time of his death, while 
not legally, was morally liable for the payment of an ex- 
pense incurred by a sister lodge in a distant city in this 
jurisdiction, in which city the brother died and was buried, 
for carriages or hacks for the use of such lodge in attending 
the deceased brother's funeral. 

The action of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in approving 
said Decision Xo. 36 w r as error, as the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge held that "When a lodge is not legally bound to pay 
then under our law r s such lodge is not morally bound to 
pay.'' (See reference given in above section.) — Compiler. 

Sec. 206. Not a funeral benefit. The amount provided 
in the by-law T s, construed in connection with the General 
Law r s of the jurisdiction (Clause 3, Sec. 2, Art. 2) and the 
law r s of the Order, is to defray the expense of burial. It is 
not a "funeral benefit," and is improperly so designated in 
the by-laws. The sum provided is not to be paid to the 



54 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

beneficiary of the funeral benefit designated by the laws 
of the Sov. Gr. Lodge; nor do the laws of the Sov. Gr. 
Body as to funeral benefit and to whom to be paid, have any 
application as to the amount provided to defray the ex- 
pense of burial. This amount is to be paid to whosoever 
may pay or incur such expense, whether it be the family, 
a relative, a friend, or the administrator of the estate of 
the deceased, subject to the exceptions in Sec. 106, White's 
Digest, 1895, or in Sec. I2 6, (Busbee's Digest, 1903.) 

In cases where no funeral expenses are incurred or paid, 
then no person has any claim for the amount, and the lodge 
is not liable for its payment. The widow or family has no 
claim for the sum provided to defray expense of burial 
when no such expense is incurred. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, 
pp. 215 to 219 inclusive. 

Sec. 207. Not a funeral benefit. The by-laws of a 
lodge provide that "On the death of a worthy member 
who is in good standing, the sum of $35.00 shall be al- 
lowed as a funeral benefit, which shall be disposed of as 
provided by Clause 3, Sec. 2, Art. 2 of the General Laws." 
Clause 3 of the General Laws referred to provides that in 
case of the death of a brother, who shall be qualified as 
provided in Clause 2, there shall be allowed from the lodge 
a sum not less than $30.00 to defray expense of burial. 
The purpose of the $35.00 provided for in the by-law being 
to defray expense of burial, it is improperly designated a 
"funeral benefit," and is not to be paid as such. It is 
to be paid under provision of the by-law and the laws of 
the Order to defray expense of burial, and is to be paid to 
whoever may pay or incur such expense, subject to the 
exceptions in Sec. 106, White's Digest, 1895; or Sec. 126, 
Busbee's Digest, 1903. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 115 to 
119 inclusive. 

Sec. 208. Of funeral of a member in another jurisdic- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 55 

tion. A subordinate lodge in this jurisdiction attend, at 
the request of the brother's lodge, the funeral of a deceased 
brother, a member of a lodge in another jurisdiction, can- 
not retain any part of the money sent them to be paid to 
the widow of the deceased brother, and appropriate such 
money or any part thereof for the payment of carriage 
hire for their members in attending the brother's funeral. 
The money sent the lodge for funeral benefits or expenses, 
was in trust for the widow and must be paid to her, and 
the lodge cannot legally or morally appropriate to their 
use and benefit any part of such fund. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1896, p. 24. 

Sec. 209. Payable without reference to estate of de- 
ceased. On the death of a brother in good standing, 
where the by-laws of the lodge provide that the sum of $40 
shall be paid as a funeral benefit under the provision of 
the General Laws of the jurisdiction, Clause 3, Sec. 2, Art. 
2, and the decisions of the Sov. Gr. Lodge digested in Bus- 
bee's Digest, Sec. 126 and 130, the amount provided in 
the by-laws and designated a "funeral benefit" must be 
held to be for funeral expenses, and must be paid to whoso- 
ever may incur or pay the funeral expenses, whether it be 
the family or a relative or friend of the deceased, or the ad- 
ministrator of his estate. The fact that the deceased left 
no family or dependent relatives, but left an estate of sev- 
eral thousand dollars, is not material and does not affect 
in the least the liability of the lodge to pay the sum pro- 
vided in the by-laws, in compliance with the requirement 
of the General Laws to whosoever may incur or pay the 
funeral expenses. (See Clause 3, Sec. 2, Art. 2.) — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 62, 157 ; 1903, pp. 81, 306, 307. 

Sec. 210. Sum to be paid. On the death of a benefit 
member in good standing, a lodge is legally bound for the 
payment for funeral expenses (improperly called funeral 



56 THE DEAN DIGEST. . 

benefits) of such sum as may be fixed in their by-laws sub- 
ject to the provisions of the General Laws, and no more. 
A lodge may pay a larger sum at its option.' — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1890, p. 140. 

GRAND MASTER. 

Sec. 211. Duty of. The G. M. shall answer such ques- 
tions as to the laws and usages of the Order as may be sub- 
mitted to him in writing under the seal of a lodge or by a 
D.D. G. M. and none other. His decisions on all questions 
so submitted shall be binding upon the lodge or party sub- 
mitting the same, until reversed by the Grand Lodge. 
Upon approval by the Grand Lodge, the decisions so ap- 
proved stand as the law of this grand jurisdiction. 

Nothing herein shall be held or construed to confer any 
appellate jurisdiction upon the Grand Master, or to au- 
thorize him to entertain or pass upon questions of fact 
arising in controversy between a lodge and one of its 
members. — Constitution of Gr. Lodge of Mich. Clause 1,. 
Sec. 2, Art. 3. 

Sec. 212. Filling vacancies. The G. M. is authorized to 
fill vacancies that may occur by resignation, death, or any 
other cause whatever, in the representation to the G. L. 
U. S. (Sovereign Grand Lodge). The representative so 
appointed is to hold office until the next regular session of 
this Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1852, Annual Session, 
p. 136. 

Sec. 213. Not empowered to remove officers. A G. M. 

has no power to remove an officer of a subordinate lodge, 
as his relations are not with the officers of a lodge but with 
the lodges themselves in their lodge capacity. If a N. G. 
permits improper work, in violation of his instructions, it 
is the duty of the G. M. to inform the lodge that, unless it 
shall require its officers to conform to the work, it will be 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 57 

dealt with for insubordination. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1853, p. 
159, G. Rep. Report. 

Sec. 214. Official documents from. No paper pur- 
porting to be an official document from the Grand Master 
is of any force or effect unless authenticated by the seal of 
the Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1883, p. 137. 

HOME, I. 0. 0. F. 

Sec. 215. Board of Control. The Board of Control of 
the Odd Fellows' Home is provided for and their powers 
and duties defined by Clauses 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of Sec. 3, 
Art. 2 of the General Laws. 

Sec. 216. The Lansing Home. 

Resolution. Authorizing the appointment of a com- 
mittee of three to act with a like committee of the Re- 
bekah Assembly, said joint committee to become a body 
corporate under the laws of the State to raise money to 
provide and maintain an Odd Fellows' Home. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1895, PP- I 9°> *9 2 - 

HONORS OF OFFICE. 

Sec. 217. Officers must be appointed and installed. 

Service in an office, to which a brother has not been regu- 
larly appointed and installed, does not earn honors of 
office, or make a brother eligible to the office of Vice 
Grand. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 93, 306. 

Sec. 218. To whom due. When a N. G. or V. G. has 
been personally present and discharged the duties of his 
office for fourteen nights, and held the office until the end 
of the term, he is entitled to the honors of the term. It is 
not material in what part of the term the fourteen nights' 
service was rendered. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 264; 1905, 
PP- 53, 277. 



■58 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



INCORPORATION. 

Sec. 219. By the entire membership. No certain num- 
ber of members of an association less than the entire mem- 
bership can incorporate such association; nor can they 
hold possession of the effects of the association so at- 
tempted to be incorporated, if the question is raised by a 
member of the association who has not united in the arti- 
cles of incorporation. Therefore all the members of a 
lodge should unite in the articles of incorporation. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1878, pp. 88, 89; 1880, p. 152. 

INITIATION. 

Sec. 220. Absence of candidate. When a candidate is 
elected to membership but fails to present himself for ini- 
tiation, the initiation fee accompanying his petition should 
be returned to the petitioner, unless the by-laws provide 
that in such case the initiation fee shall be forfeited to 
the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1873, p. 122; 1884, p. 114; 
1903, pp. 90, 306. 

Sec. 221. At special meeting. In case the by-laws pro- 
vide for calling special meetings, and a special meeting is 
called as required by the by-laws, a candidate for member- 
ship who has been duly elected at a regular meeting may be 
initiated at such special meeting. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, 
pp. 77, 208; 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 222. Entering or leaving. A brother cannot en- 
ter or leave the lodge during initiation, and the officer in 
charge of the lodge should not recognize or answer the coun- 
tersign. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, p. 125. 

Sec. 223. Fee changed by amendment. The by-laws 
of a lodge provide for $10.00 as the initiation fee, but the 
lodge may, by amendment to their by-laws, make the 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 59 

initiation fee $5.00. The fee must remain at $10.00 until 
the by-laws are amended and the amendment approved. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 242. 

Sec. 224. Fee for initiation and degrees. No subordi- 
nate lodge in the jurisdiction of Michigan can under any 
circumstances legally initiate and confer the three de- 
grees of a subordinate lodge upon any person for less than 
$14.00. The law applies to the night of institution the 
same as any other night. As soon as a lodge is insti- 
tuted, it is a subordinate lodge and is subject to the laws of 
the Grand Lodge equally with the oldest lodge in the juris- 
diction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 89. 306. 

Sec. 225. The fee for initiation and degrees. A subor- 
dinate lodge, whose by-laws provide for more than $14.00 
for initation and degrees, must collect the sum provided 
for in the by-laws. If the lodge desires to reduce the sum 
charged, it must do so by an amendment to the by-laws, 
but the lodge cannot reduce the fee to less than $14.00, 
the minimum provided in the General Laws. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1903, pp. 89. 306. 

Sec. 226. In absence of N. G. In the absence of the 
Noble Grand and all Past Grands, the Vice Grand cannot 
initiate a candidate ; but in case a P. G. is present to 
occupy the Past Grand's chair, the V. G. may initiate a 
candidate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1873, p. 51; 1879, p. 136. 

Sec. 227. Resident for six months in jurisdiction. A 

subordinate lodge cannot legally admit a person to mem- 
bership by initiation until such person has been a resident 
within its territorial jurisdiction for six months. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1895, PP- 74' 2 °5- 



60 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



INSTALLATION. 

Sec. 228. At special meeting. The officers of a lodge 
may legally be installed at a special meeting when the -by- 
laws provide for calling special meetings, and the special 
meeting has been called in accordance with such by-law. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, p. 160; 1897, pp. 152, 153. 

Sec. 229. Charges to be memorized. The N. G. and V. 

G. elect in order to qualify themselves for installation 
must have committed in full the opening, closing and 
initiatory charges, and also the unwritten work of the 
three degrees. They shall be examined in open lodge pre- 
vious to installation as to their knowledge of their re- 
spective charges, and also in the unwritten work of the sev- 
eral degrees, and if found deficient the D. D. G. M. is pro- 
hibited from installing them. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, p.91. 

Sec. 230. D. D. G. M. the judge of proficiency. At an 

examination -..of the N. G. and the V. G. elect previous to 
installation under the requirement of the resolution of 1886 
(Journal, p. 91) as to their qualification for installation, 
the D. D. G. M. or installing officer is the sole judge whether 
the N. G. and V. G. elect are sufficiently proficient in the 
charges, etc., of their respective offices to warrant their in- 
stallation under the terms of the resolution above referred 
to. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, p. 134. 

Sec. 231. Failure to memorize work. If the N. G. and 

V. G. elect or either of them fail to memorize the work as 
required by the law of* the Grand Lodge and fail to pass a 
satisfactory examination, and are therefore not installed 
at the proper time, the first meeting in the term, the N. G. 
and V. G. or either of them shall hold their offices until 
their successors are installed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, pp. 
5i. I S3- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 61 

Sec. 232. Noble Grand not installed. At an installa- 
tion of officers, if, for any reason, the N. G. is not installed 
at the time the other officers are, the V. G. will act as N. 
G. and is entitled to be put in possession of the S. A. P. W. 
and the A. T. P. W. and to perform all the duties of N. G. 
until the installation of a N. G. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1891, p. 
137: 1S92, p. 135. 

Sec. 233. Public. No dispensation. No dispensation is 
needed for a public installation in this jurisdiction, pro- 
vided the ceremony is conducted by an officer of the Grand 
Lodge, a D. D. G. M. or a P. G. duly authorized by the 
Grand Master, and also provided they use the form pre- 
scribed by the Sow Gr. Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, PP- 
74. 205; S. G. L. 1895, P- 448o. 

Sec. 234. Public. Form for installation. It would be 
improper and illegal to use the form for installation in the 
charge book at a public installation. The form for installa- 
tion in the book of forms must be used. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1896, pp. 68, 215. 

Sec. 235. Public. Permission granted. Permission is 
hereby granted to subordinate lodges in this jurisdiction 
to install their officers in public, the form for public instal- 
lation to be used. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1859, p. 122. 

Sec. 236. Public. Calling up the lodge. At a public 
installation a lodge should be called up only at the times 
and in the manner directed in the public installation cere- 
mony, and is not to be called up during the obligation of 
officers. The gavel is not to be used in public installa- 
tion. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 76, 212, 152 ; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 237. Time. The installation of the officers of a 
subordinate lodge does not take place under any particu- 
lar head or order of business, but takes place at such time 



62 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

as the G. M., his deputy or other installing officer an- 
nounces himself prepared to install. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, 
p. 102. 

Sec. 238. Time. Whenever the installing officers are 
announced, the business of the lodge is suspended and offi- 
cers installed, no matter under what order of business the 
lodge is working. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1856, p. 7. 

Sec. 239. With a lodge of another order. A subordinate 
lodge of Odd Fellows cannot hold a public installation 
jointly with a lodge of another order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1893, PP- 57, 128. 

JEWELS. 

Sec. 240. Worked on regalia. Having the jewels of 
officers worked on the official regalia is not a compliance 
with the law as to the wearing of jewels. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1873, P- 52. 

JURISDICTION. 

Sec. 241. Between Ohio and Michigan. The State line 
between Ohio and Michigan is the jurisdiction line of 
lodges in the states named. There is no exchange of ju- 
risdiction between the states. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 
251. 

Sec. 242. Between states. A subordinate lodge in 
Michigan cannot waive jurisdiction over a person residing 
within their jurisdiction in favor of a subordinate lodge in 
the jurisdiction of Ohio. In case they did, such waiver 
would not authorize the Ohio lodge to receive a petition 
from, or admit such person to membership, as, before a per- 
son can be admitted to membership, either by card or 
initiation outside of the State jurisdiction where such 
person resides, he must have the consent of the Grand Mas- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 63 

ter of the jurisdiction in which he resides. He must also 
have the consent of the Grand Master of the jurisdiction 
under which the subordinate lodge he proposes to join ex- 
ists, and the subordinate lodge he desires to join must be 
the nearest to his residence. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 
62, 63, 201; 1905, pp. 56, 277; Busbee's Digest, Sec. 915. 

Sec. 243. Fixed by law. The jurisdiction of subordinate 
lodges is fixed by Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General 
Laws and can only be changed by amendment to said clause 
of the General Laws.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, p. 103. 

Sec. 244. How measured. The territorial jurisdiction 
of lodges is measured by an air line. See General Laws, 
Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 68, 215. 

Sec. 245. Member admitted outside of jurisdiction. A 

new subordinate lodge was about to be instituted under a 
dispensation issued by the Grand Master, such dispen- 
sation having been authorized by the executive commit- 
tee. A few days prior to the institution of such lodge, a 
brother, a member in a neighboring city, took a with- 
drawal card from his lodge, and, while still residing within 
the territorial jurisdiction of the lodge from which he with- 
drew, was admitted by the instituting officer as a charter 
member of the new lodge, no waiver of jurisdiction from the 
lodge or lodges, in whose jurisdiction the brother so admit- 
ted resided, having been presented or granted. 

Under this statement of facts, the question was asked, 
"Is the brother so admitted a legal member of the new 
lodge to which he was admitted as a charter member, the 
lodge from which he withdrew and in whose jurisdiction 
he resides not having waived jurisdiction over him?" 
The Grand Lodge answered the question "Yes." — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1904, pp. 203, 211. 

Note. — Answer of the Grand Lodge to the question pre- 



•64 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

sented appears to be based on the laws as set forth in the 
Journals of the Sov.. Gr. Lodge, 1887, pp. 10858, 10859, 
10902; 1891, pp. 12676, 12677, 12709. In the case cited 
in 1 89 1, the Judiciary Committee, after citing two excep- 
tions to the general rule, say, "But the general law that 
mere irregularities without fraud do not vitiate an ad- 
mission, is settled." — Compiler. 

Sec. 246. Of resuscitated lodge. The jurisdiction of a 
resuscitated lodge over former members is not depend- 
ent upon the residence of such members when they apply 
for reinstatement under the provisions of Clause 4, Sec, 3, 
Art. 2, General Laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, pp. 26, 121. 

Sec. 247. Of subordinate lodges. The territorial juris- 
diction of a subordinate lodge extends half-way from its 
place of meeting or lodge room to the nearest lodge by an 
.air line, except where there are two or more lodges in the 
same city or village, in which case they have concurrent 
jurisdiction. — General Laws, Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 248. Penalty of violation. A lodge violating the 
territorial jurisdiction of a sister lodge by admitting to 
membership either by initiation or card a resident within 
thef jurisdiction of such lodge shall, upon conviction, pay 
to the lodge under whose jurisdiction the applicant resided 
.at the time of admission all moneys received from such ap- 
plicant for initiation or admission and degrees up to the 
time of conviction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 73, 162; 
Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2, General Laws. 

Sec. 249. Violation of. Subordinate lodges desiring 
to make complaint to the Grand Lodge against a sister 
lodge for violation of territorial jurisdiction must follow 
strictly the law as to violation of jurisdiction as set forth 
in by-laws of Grand Lodge of Mich., Art. 5. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 65 

Sec. 250. Waiving jurisdiction. When on application 
a lodge waives jurisdiction over a resident within their 
territorial jurisdiction, allowing a sister lodge to receive 
the petition of such resident, and, if elected, admit him to 
membership, such waiver of jurisdiction only applies to 
that particular time and a single application, and, should 
the petitioner not be elected and the lodge desire to again 
receive his petition, they must have a new waiver of juris- 
diction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1879, pp. 139, 140. 

KEYS TO WORK. 

Sec. 251. Prohibited. The so called keys of the work 
are prohibited and any brother having one in his possession 
is liable to charges and, upon conviction, expulsion. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 75, 205. 

(This does not apply to the key provided by the Sov. 
Gr. Lodge and now sold by the Grand Secretary.) — Com- 
piler. 

LAWS. 

Sec. 252. Of subordinate lodges. The Grand Master 
has no authority to suspend the constitution (General 
Laws) or by-laws of a subordinate lodge, and any dispen- 
sation assuming to do so is illegal and void. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1899, pp. 82, 209. 

Sec. 253. Submitting questions to Grand Master. When 
a member of a lodge desires to submit a question to the 
Grand Master as to the laws or usages of the Order, such 
brother shall present such question to his lodge. The lodge 
shall certify such question under seal of the lodge, and for- 
ward it to the Grand Master with such answer or explana- 
tion, if any, as they may desire to make. When a question 
is so presented to a lodge, it is bound to certify such 
question and forward it to the Grand Master. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1897, PP- 7 T > 2 °9i 1898, p. 141. 
5 



66 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



LECTURES, ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC. 

Sec. 254. Deficit. A subordinate lodge cannot legally 
levy an assessment upon its members to meet a deficit 
resulting from the giving of a lecture or other entertain- 
ment by the lodge, nor can the fund in the treasury of a 
lodge be legally appropriated or used to meet such deficit. 
—J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, p. 356. 



LODGE ROOM. 

Sec. 255. Smoking. Smoking is not allowed in a lodge 
room while the lodge is in session. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, 
p. 212. 

LODGES. 

Sec. 256. Balls. A subordinate lodge has no right to 
pass a resolution to hold a ball with or without regalia, 
transact other business in connection therewith, and place 
the same on record with the regular business of the lodge, 
unless it has first obtained the consent of the Grand Master 
to hold such ball.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1853, p. 166. 

Sec. 257. Minutes. A lodge may strike out of the min- 
utes of the preceding meeting, before they have been ap- 
proved, any part thereof. After approval, no part may be 
stricken out without reconsideration.- — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1851, P- 93- 

Sec. 258. Resuscitating a defunct lodge. A defunct 
lodge resuscitated on the application of the necessary 
number of the former members of the lodge, is not a new 
lodge, but is the same lodge which has taken on new life, 
and is composed only of the brothers who made applica- 
tion for charter and effects and to whom they were restored, 
all other members of the lodge as it formerly existed having" 






GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 67 

in effect been suspended by the surrender of the charter. 
Former members may be reinstated by the resuscitated 
lodge under the general law as to the reinstatement of sus- 
pended members, excepting such as may have received 
cards from the Grand Secretary or Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1862, p. 266; General Law, G. L. of Mich, clause 4, 
Sec. 3, Art. 2. 

Sec. 259. Time of meeting. Subordinate lodges in this 
jurisdiction may hold their meetings semi-monthly or 
monthly instead of weekly, by complying with the laws of 
the Sow Gr. Lodge of U. S. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1859, p. 122. 

Note. — So much of this enactment as permits lodges to 
hold monthly meetings violates the present law of the S. 
G. L., which provides that meetings of subordinate lodges 
must be weekly, except that subordinate grand lodges 
may permit their subordinates to hold their meetings 
either bi-weekly or semi-monthly, in which case the official 
term must be one year. So much of the enactment above 
set forth as provides for monthly meetings is therefore 
illegal and must be held for naught. — Compiler. 

MEETINGS. 

Sec. 260. Bi-monthly. It is legal for a subordinate 
lodge to have a by-law providing for bi-monthly meetings 
instead of weekly, but a lodge which meets bi-monthly 
must have a term of office of one year, and reports and 
dues to Grand Lodge must be the same as when holding 
weekly meetings. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, p. 235. 

Sec. 261. Changes. A subordinate lodge meeting 
weekly, with semi-annual terms, cannot be permitted to 
meet bi-weekly during hot weather. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1903, pp. 93, 306. 

Sec. 262. Change of night. The night of meeting of 



68 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

subordinate lodges shall be fixed by their by-laws and they 
may alter the same at pleasure by passing an amendment 
to their by-laws and notifying the Grand Secretary of the 
same. — By-Laws G. L. of Mich. Sec. n^ Art. 2. 

Sec. 263. Held on Saturday evening. If the regular 
meeting of a lodge is held on Saturday evening, no work 
or business can legally be done after twelve o'clock mid- 
night. The lodge must be regularly closed not later than 
twelve o'clock midnight, and any action of the N. G. or the 
lodge in declaring a recess until Monday or other day or 
time is illegal. It is in effect to hold an adjourned meet- 
ing, and no such meeting can be legally held. A subordi- 
nate lodge may take a recess or intermission during a regu- 
lar meeting, yet such recess or intermission cannot extend 
beyond the time of the regular meeting and the lodge be 
called to order at the expiration of such recess and closed 
in regular form. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 242. 

Sec. 264. Motion to take recess. A motion to take a 
recess to some other day or time is simply a motion to ad- 
journ to some other day or time and is illegal ; and any 
meeting held in pursuance of any such motion is an illegal 
meeting and can do no legal business. A motion to take a 
recess or intermission for a short time during a regular 
lodge meeting is by usage not improper. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1900, pp. 75, 76, 149. 

Sec. 265. Of subordinate lodges. In the absence of the 
Noble Grand, Vice Grand and all Past Grands, a subordi- 
nate lodge cannot legally be opened. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1904, pp. 63, 201. 

Sec. 266. Place of meeting. A lodge may hold its meet- 
ings in a building in which there is a saloon. It might be 
proper to suggest, however, that, the brothers use a little 



GRAND LODGE I. 0\ O. F. OF MICHIGAN. G9 

extra caution ami not enter the wrong door in going to 
the hall. — J. (i. L. of Mich. [888, pp. 41, 103, 104. 

Sec. 267. Reading minutes of. When the N. G. directs 
the recording secretary to read the minutes of the proceed- 
ings of last lodge night, it must be understood to mean the 
minutes of the last regular meeting and also of any special 
meeting that may have been held since the last regular 
meeting. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 63, 201. 

Sec. 268. Roll call, entering after. An officer of a sub- 
ordinate lodge entering the lodge after roll call is entitled 
to be credited as being present at such meeting. Therefore 
a X. G. who has been present a majoirty of the nights of 
the term, including such credits, and held the office until 
the end of the term is entitled to a Past Grand's certifi- 
cate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 86; 1888, pp. 42, 103, 104. 

Sec. 269. Resolution to omit meeting on legal holiday. 

When the regular meeting of a lodge falls on a legal holi- 
day, the lodge may omit such meeting by provision of the 
by-laws or by resolution. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, p. 74. 

Sec. 270. Special meetings. A subordinate lodge can- 
not hold adjourned meetings. A motion to adjourn to an- 
other day or time is never in order. If a special meeting 
is desired and the by-laws provide for calling such meet- 
ings, a special meeting may be called as provided in the by- 
laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 152, 153. 

Sec. 271. Special meetings. In the absence of a by- 
law provision, providing for the calling of special meetings, 
no special meeting can be held. — J. G. L. of Mich. July 
session, 1850, pp. 18, 19. 

Sec. 272. Sunday meetings. No subordinate lodge 
can legally hold any meeting on Sunday for any purpose 



70 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

except to attend the funeral of a brother or to hold memo- 
rial services. 

A Grand Master cannot by dispensation or otherwise 
authorize a subordinate lodge to disregard or violate a 
law of the Order. The dispensing power is not vested in 
the Grand Master. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 66, 209, 210. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 273. Admission fee. There is no provision in the 
laws of the jurisdiction whereby a minister of the Gospel 
can be admitted without the payment of an admission 
fee. — J. G. L. of Mich/ 1885, p. 86; 1895, PP- 7 6 > 2 °5 5 I 9°5» 
PP- 57, 277. 

Sec. 274. Admission of former members. A lodge can- 
not admit to membership a member or former member 
of a sister lodge, working or defunct, unless such an appli- 
cant present with his petition a withdrawal card, dismissal 
certificate, or other evidence that he left the Order while 
in good standing. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1873, p. 51. 

Sec. 275. Admission of members of Manchester Unity. 

Members of the Manchester Unity may be admitted to 
lodges of our Order while they maintain their membership 
in the Manchester Unity. 

Members of the Manchester Unity can only become mem- 
bers of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows by initia- 
tion. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 61, 154; 1901, pp. 60, 209, 
210; 1905, pp. 57, 277. 

Sec. 276. Age limit. The only age qualification for 
membership in the Order is that an applicant shall be 
twenty-one years of age. No Grand or subordinate lodge 
can add a provision, by by-law or otherwise, that no appli- 
cation shall be received from a person over a certain age. 
It is immaterial how old an applicant may be. His appli- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 71 

cation must be received and disposed of in the regular way 
by reference, report and ballot. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, 
pp. 75, 205; 1899, pp. 83, 209; 1900, pp. 76, 149; 1902, pp. 
243, 252; 1903, pp. 77, 306; 1905, pp. 56, 277, 62, 277. 

Sec. 277. Amount to be paid. The amount to be paid 
for admission on dismissal certificate should be fixed by 
the by-laws, but cannot be less than three dollars ($3), the 
minimum provided by the General Laws, Clause 7, Sec. 1, 
Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 94, 306. 

Sec. 278. Ancient Odd Fellow. A brother who re- 
signed his membership in the Order may be readmitted as 
an Ancient Odd Fellow, on proof that he resigned from 
the Order while in good standing. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, 
pp. 75, 211; 1898, p. 243. 



Sec. 279. Applicant fails to appear. An applicant for 
membership is duly elected but fails to present himself 
for initiation within the time provided in the by-laws. His 
election to membership is therefore null and void ; and un- 
less provision is made in the by-laws that, under such cir- 
cumstances the initiation fee shall be forfeited to the lodge, 
it must be returned to the applicant. 

Should the same gentleman again make application to 
the lodge, it must be disposed of the same as any other ap- 
plication for membership, without any reference to his 
former election. The fact that such an applicant on his 
second application is fifty-four years of age does not 
affect his eligiblity to membership. Of course he must 
pay the initiation fee provided in the by-laws for an appli- 
cant of his age. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1873, p. 122; 1884, p. 
114; 1899, pp. 94, 209. 

Sec. 280. Ballot obligatory. A candidate for member- 
ship must be balloted for whether the report of the inves- 
tigating committee be favorable or unfavorable. Clause 



72 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

3 Sec. i, Art. 2, General Laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, 
PP- *5 2 > *5'3"; J 9°3, PP. 94, 306. 

Sec. 281. By card. A subordinate lodge can charge an 
applicant for membership by card only the sum provided 
in their by-laws for such membership, and cannot charge 
an applicant who is over forty-five years of age any addi- 
tional sum not provided for in the by-laws. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1903, pp. 90, 306. 

Sec. 282. By card. 

First. There is no fee prescribed for admission to bene- 
fit membership by card in the General Laws. The General 
Laws simply prescribe a minimum sum. 

Second. A lodge, by provision of its by-laws, may pre- 
scribe any sum in excess of such minimum amount as they 
may deem proper. No maximum being fixed in the Gen- 
eral Law, a brother joining by card must pay the amount 
fixed in the by-laws for applicant by card of his age. I 

Third. A lodge has no right to require any applicant to 
pay a larger sum than is fixed in the by-laws for an appli- 
cant of his age. The fact that the applicant was a member 
of some other lodge for thirty years is entirely immaterial, 
so far as the amount he is required to pay for admission 
by card as a benefit member is concerned. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1897, PP- l8 5> l86 - 

Sec. 283. By card. A subordinate lodge may receive 
an application for membership by card, the card being in 
date when presented with the application, but having 
expired previous to the report of the investigating com- 
mittee on the application. The lodge may still ballot on 
the application, and, if the ballot is favorable, admit the 
applicant to membership.- — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 82, 
208; 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 284. By card. A member joining a lodge by card 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 73 

is not required to answer and sign such answers in the 
question book the same as an initiate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 



Sec. 285. By card. A brother, who is seventy years 
of age and joins a lodge by card, is a benefit member, un- 
less he had the necessary qualifications to entitle him to 
non-benefit membership and applied for and was elected 
to such membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 71, 209; 
1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 286. By Card. When a brother has been elected 
to membership by card, his membership in the lodge so 
electing him is not completed until he has been introduced 
and has signed the constitution; and, until this has been 
done, he is not a member of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1889, pp. 62, 141, 142. 

Sec. 287. By Card. When a brother applies for mem- 
bership by the deposit of a card and is rejected, a lodge has 
no right to mutilate his card by endorsing "Rejected'' 
thereon. It must be returned to the brother without 
mutilation. — Mich. Digest i860, p. 37. 

Sec. 288. By Card. The General Laws, Clauses 5 and 
7, Sec. 1, Art. 2 fully provide the manner of application 
for membership by card or as Ancient Odd Fellows, which 
provision applies in all cases where a brother applies for 
membership by card or as an Ancient Odd Fellow, whether 
to the lodge the applicant formerly belonged or to any 
other.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 87. - 

Sec. 289. Change of. A brother in good standing de- 
siring to change his membership to a lodge in whose juris- 
diction he resides, by petition and election previous to 
withdrawal, will find the law as to such change of mem- 



74 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

bership fully set forth in the General Laws, Clause 6, Sec. 
i, Art. 2. 

Sec. 290. Change of. A member of the Order desiring 
to change his membership to a sister lodge in whose juris- 
diction he resides, by being elected to membership in such 
lodge previous to withdrawing from the lodge of which he is 
a member, may, previous to withdrawing from the lodge 
of which he is a member, present a petition, accompanied 
with a visiting card or official certificate within date, to 
the lodge which he desires to join. This petition shall be 
received, referred and the ballot taken as provided for ap- 
plicants by card. If the applicant is elected, the secretary 
of the lodge electing shall notify the brother's lodge; when, 
if the brother is in good standing, his lodge shall grant him 
a withdrawal card and deliver the same to him on his re- 
quest or that of the secretary of the lodge electing. On pre- 
senting such withdrawal card and paying such admission 
fee as may be prescribed in the by-laws, he shall be en- 
titled to sign the constitution and shall thereupon become 
a member of said lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 77, 
205; 1901, pp. 66, 207. General Laws of G. L. of Mich, 
as amended in 1902, Clause 6, Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 291. Deaf not eligible. A person who is entirely 
deaf is not eligible to membership in the Order. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. p. 251. 

Sec. 292. Declared elected by N. G. and V. G. An ap- 
plicant for membership by initiation had been declared 
elected by the N. G. and the V. G. through ignorance of 
the law and was duly initiated; when, as a matter of fact, 
the applicant had been rejected. As the fault was that of 
the officers of the lodge, for which the applicant was in 
no way responsible, his membership cannot be affected 
or his right to advancement interfered with. It is not a 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 75 

case where the D. D. G. M. has any duty or power. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1903, p. 321. 

Sec. 293. Eligibility. A person who has lost an arm is 
eligible to membership in the Order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1887. p. 126; 1S99, pp. 87, 88, 209; 1900, pp. 76, 149; 
1905, pp. 45, 277-7S. 

Sec. 294. Eligibility. A person who has lost a limb is 
eligible to membership in the Order, and all persons be- 
coming members by initiation are benefit members. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 215; 1899, pp. 87, 88, 209; 1900, 
pp. 76, 149; 1904, pp. 63, 201. 

Sec. 295. Holder of Dismissal Certificate. The holder 
of a dismissal certificate joining a lodge on such certificate 
must pay the amount fixed in the by-laws for such ad- 
mission which shall not be less than $3.00. (See Clause 7, 
Sec. 1, Art. 2.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 215. 

Sec. 296. Illegal Admission by Card. A brother was 
illegally admitted to membership by card, both the lodge 
and the applicant being parties to the illegal election. — 

It was held that the membership thus acquired was 
void, the authority for the decision being a decision of 
Grand Sire White approved by Sov. Gr. Lodge, Journal 
1887, p. 10713. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 104, 105. 

Sec. 297. In more than one Lodge. No person shall 
have membership in more than one subordinate lodge at 
the same time, nor shall any lodge confer degrees upon a 
member of another lodge without the consent of the lodge 
to which the member belongs, given under seal. — By- 
Laws of G. L. of Mich. Sec. 1, Art. 3. 

Sec. 298. Jurisdiction. A person desiring to join a 



76 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

lodge either by card or as an initiate must join a lodge in 
whose territorial jurisdiction he resides, unless such lodge 
or lodges in writing waive jurisdiction over such resident in 
favor of the lodge which the person may desire to join. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1887, p. 126; 1894, pp. 55, 148; 1895, pp. 
78, 205. 

Sec. 299. Jurisdiction. A subordinate lodge cannot 
receive a petition from or admit to membership by intia- 
tion a person who has not been a resident within the ter- 
ritorial jurisdiction of the lodge six months. The lodge 
in whose jurisdiction the person formerly resided, he hav- 
ing moved from their jurisdiction, had no jurisdiction to 
waive, and a waiver from them would be of no force or 
effect. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, p. 234; 1903, pp. 79, 80, 81, 
306; 1905, pp. 57, .277, 60, 277. 

Sec. 300. Member of Catholic Church. A member of 
the Roman Catholic Church is not excluded from member- 
ship in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows by any law 
of the Order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 73, 149. 

Sec. 301. No fixed residence. A person who has no 
fixed residence, under the laws of our Grand Lodge cannot 
be admitted to membership in any lodge in this jurisdic- 
tion, as an applicant for membership by initiation in any 
lodge in Michigan; must have been a resident within the 
State and the territory over which the lodge applied to 
has jurisdiction for the six months last preceding the time 
of his making application.- — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 88, 
306. 

Sec. 302. Non-benefit. A brother having the neces- 
sary qualifications and desiring to be admitted to member- 
ship in a lodge as a non-benefit member, cannot be admit- 
ted for less than $3.00 or such larger sum as the by-laws of 
the lodge may provide. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 
215. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. R OF MICHIGAN. 77 

Sec. 303. Non-benefit members. No person can be 
initiated as a non-benefit member. The General Laws 
provide who may become non-benefit members, and no 
person can be initiated as such, and only those who have 
the qualifications required by law can be so admitted. 
See General Laws, Clause 8, Sec. 1, Art. 2 and Clause 3, 
Sec. 3, Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 59, 142; 1902, 
p. 252; 1903, pp. 77. 306. 

Sec. 304. Non-benefit. The law as to the admission 
and reinstatement of ncn-benefit members as set forth in 
Clause 8, Sec. 1, Art. 2 and Clause 3, Sec. 3, Art. 2 of the 
General Laws, is permissive and not mandatory. It 
reads, "may be admitted" or "may be reinstated," and the 
fact that a brother may be admitted or reinstated as a non- 
benefit member, does not affect his eligibility to benefit 
membership under the provisions of Clause 5 or 7, Sec. 1, 
Art. 2, or to reinstatement to benefit membership under 
the provision of Clause 2, Sec. 3, Art. 2. In the language 
of the Appeal Committee of 1892, "The provision of 
Clause 3, Sec. 3, Art. 2 of the General Laws as to the re- 
instatement of suspended members, who have the neces- 
sary qualifications, as non-benefit members, does not to 
any extent affect the eligibility of said brothers to rein- 
statement as , benefit members, but simply confers the 
additional privilege on such members, of being reinstated 
as non-benefit members, if they so desire." 

While the language of the committee here quoted is as 
to reinstatement, it applies equally to the admission of 
brothers over fifty years of age who are qualified for non- 
benefit membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, p. 205; 1900, 
pp. 72, 149; 1901, pp. 67, 68, 209, 210. 

Sec. 305. Non-benefit to benefit. A member of a sub- 
ordinate lodge who was admitted or reinstated as a non- 
benefit member, can become a benefit member only bv 
taking a withdrawal card and applying for membership 



78 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

as a benefit member. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 8$, 306 
3.07- 

Sec. 306. Not consummated. Under the provisions of 
Clause 9, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General Laws of this juris- 
diction for the government of subordinate lodges, the 
membership of a brother elected by card does not com- 
mence until he shall have been examined and introduced, 
and has signed the constitution; and, until he is a mem- 
ber, the lodge cannot grant him a visiting card. His 
status is that of a person who has been elected to mem- 
bership but has not consummated his membership by ap- 
pearing to sign the constitution. Until he does so, he may 
demand the return of his card, or the lodge may recon- 
sider his election in manner provided by law. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1884, pp. in, 112. 

Sec. 307. Outside of Jurisdiction. A member taking a 
withdrawal card from the lodge of which he was a mem- 
ber, and still residing within the jurisdiction of such lodge, 
can not deposit such withdrawal card in a lodge outside 
of the jurisdiction where he resides unless the card is ac- 
companied by a proper waiver of jurisdiction under seal 
from the lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides. A lodge 
entertaining an application for membership, whether by 
card or otherwise, from an applicant residing in the juris- 
diction of a sister lodge, unless such application be ac- 
companied by a proper waiver of jurisdiction, is guilty of 
a violation of law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 90, 306; 
1904, pp. 64, 201. 

Sec. 308. Outside of Jurisdiction. A person is improp- 
erly admitted to membership by initiation in a lodge out- 
side of the jurisdiction where he resides, without the con- 
sent of the lodge in whose jurisdiction he is a resident. 
He is a member of the lodge to which he was admitted and 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 79 

his membership cannot be disturbed unless he was guilty 
of fraud or misrepresentation in connection with his ad- 
mission, and such fraud or misrepresentation cannot be 
assumed but must be established by competent evidence 
upon charges duly preferred. But the lodge improperly 
admitting the brother would be liable for a violation of 
law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1875, p. 161; 1876, p. 356. 

Sec. 309. Paying a bonus. It is illegal for a subordi- 
nate lodge to pay a bonus of any amount to a brother for 
securing a petition for membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1903, pp. 88, 306. 

Sec. 310. Pensioner of the Government. The fact that 
a person is in receipt of a pension from the Government 
on account of disability does not disqualify the person from 
membership in our Order under any law of the Order. 
The expediency of admitting such an applicant is to be 
determined by ballot by the lodge to which application is 
made. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 96, 97. 

Sec. 311. Petitioner fails to appear at initiation. When 
a petitioner is elected to membership, but fails to present 
himself for initiation within five years, his election to 
membership is void. In case such petitioner desires to 
become a member of the lodge which elected him to mem- 
bership in the past, he must present a petition in the usual 
form; and, if not a resident within the territorial jurisdic- 
tion of the lodge applied to, his petition must be accom- 
panied by a waiver of jurisdiction from the lodge in whose 
jurisdiction the petitioner resides. Such petition must 
be disposed of in all respects as though he had not 
formerly been elected to membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1894, pp. 55, 148. 

Sec. 312. Qualifications. The qualifications for mem- 



80 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

bership in a lodge of the I. O. O. F. are fully set forth in the 
General Laws of the I. O. O. F. of Michigan for the gov- 
ernment of subordinate lodges. — General Laws, Clause i, 
Sec. i, Art. 2. 

Sec. 313. Qualifications. One of the qualifications for 
membership in the Order is a belief in a Supreme Being 
the Creator and Preserver of the Universe and this quali- 
fication is continuing. If, in after years, the brother de- 
nies the existence of a Supreme Being, it is competent for 
the lodge to deal with such brother. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1878, 
pp. 42, 70, 116, 117. 

Sec. 314. Qualifications. Belief in a Supreme Being, 
the Creator and Preserver of the Universe is one of the 
primary qualifications of membership in the Order, and 
the qualification is continuing. If it ceases to exist, the 
brother has not the first qualification for an Odd Fellow, 
and the lodge may expel the brother after trial and con- 
viction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, p. 10 1. 

Sec. 315. Qualifications. A person blind or nearly so 
cannot be initiated into the Order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1897, PP- 74> 2 °8'> 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 316. Rate of Admission. The minimum rate for 
initiation and the three degrees is fourteen dollars and no 
lodge can admit for less, without laying themselves liable 
for a violation of law. While the minimum rate is 
fourteen dollars, yet a lodge cannot legally admit for less 
than the sum stated in their by-laws, if such sum is more 
than the minimum provided by general law. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1902, p. 244. 

Sec. 317. Readmission. A subordinate lodge is not 
obliged to readmit to membership a brother who with- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 81 

drew from the lodge and who desires to be readmitted to 
the lodge from which he withrdew within the life of his 
card. Such an applicant stands in the same position as 
any other applicant by card, and his application, accom- 
panied by his withdrawal card, must be referred, reported 
upon, and the ballot taken the same as for any other 
applicant by card. 

. In case a brother under the circumstances herein stated, 
who is over fifty years of age and has held membership in 
the Order for five consecutive years, desires to be read- 
mitted as a non-benefit member, his application must set 
forth that fact and must be disposed of in all respects as 
an application for benefit membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1895. PP. 75- 205. . 

Sec. 318. Reconsideration. The election of a person 
to membership may be reconsidered at any time previous 
to the initiation of such person in the manner set forth in 
Clause 10, Sec. 1, Art, 2 of the General Laws. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1903, pp. 89, 306. 

Sec. 319. Reconsideration of suspension. A brother 
was legally suspended for non-payment of dues. At the 
next regular meeting, the motion suspending such brother 
was reconsidered. He was admitted and paid his dues 
and received a receipt for the same. 

The action of the lodge was illegal and wrong. A mo- 
tion suspending a brother cannot be reconsidered; yet, 
as the fault was that of the lodge and not of the brother, 
they cannot take advantage of their own illegal action. 
The brother is a member of the lodge and his membership 
cannot be disturbed on account of the illegal action of the 
lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 37, 99. 

Sec. 320. Rejection. A brother who has made appli- 
cation for membership by card and has been rejected, 
6 



82 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

may apply again at any time during the life of his card. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, PP- 79> 2 °5- General Laws G. 
L. of Mich. Clause 4, Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 321. Rejection. It is not competent, when an 
applicant for a degree has been rejected, for the N. G. at 
the next meeting to declare the ballot rejecting such appli- 
cant illegal and void on the ground of the alleged discov- 
ery that a brother in arrears had voted on the ballot by 
which the applicant was rejected.- — J. G. L. of Mich. 1890, 
pp. 54, 136. 

Sec. 322. Resignation. A written resignation at once 
and entirely severs a brother's membership in the lodge 
and all connection with the Order, provided that at the 
time when such resignation is presented, no charges are 
pending against the brother and all dues and legal pe- 
cuniary charges are paid to date. No action of the lodge 
is permissible on such resignation. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
January Session, 1850, p. 448. 

Sec. 323. Retired list. There is no law of the Order 
which permits a member over seventy years of age to be 
placed on the retired list and be entitled to sick benefits. 
There is no such thing as a retired list known to the laws 
of the Order.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, PP- 82 > 2o8 ; l8 9 8 > p. 
141 

Sec. 324. Signature. An applicant for membership who 
cannot sign his application in his own handwriting, but 
signs by making a cross as his mark, is eligible for member- 
ship. Such a signing is sufficient under the law.— J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1882, p. 100. 

Sec. 325. Under twenty-one years of age. Under the 
laws of the Order, no person under twenty-one years of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 83 

age can legally be admitted to membership in any lodge, 
nor can a lodge legally entertain a petition for member- 
ship from any person under twenty -one years of age. A 
Grand Master has no power to dispense with the law by 
dispensation or otherwise. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 77, 
208; 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 326. Violation of territorial jurisdiction. On com- 
plaint of a lodge against a sister lodge for the violation of 
her territorial jurisdiction in the admission of certain 
brothers to membership by card, the G. M. investigated 
the complaint and found it well founded. Whereupon 
he, the G. M., commanded the lodge illegally admitting 
the brothers to membership to drop them from member- 
ship and to return to them all fees received by the lodge 
together with their withdrawal cards. The order was 
obeyed. The G. M. further said, "I assumed to take the 
above action by virtue of a decision of the Grand Sire and 
approved by the Sov. Gr. Lodge at its session in Septem- 
ber, 1887, and found on page 55, Journal 1888, J. G. L. of 
Michigan." — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, pp. 66, 67, 164. 

Note. — In connection with the foregoing reported action 
of the G. M. and its approval, I beg to call attention to the 
report of the Judiciary Committee of the Sov. Gr. Lodge at 
its session in September, 1891, which report was adopted. 

The committee says: "As to Decision No. 8 of the Grand 
Sire, would report that we find the same correct, excepting 
the last clause thereof which is as follows: 'And the lodge 
admitting him should return his card and any fees he may 
have paid.' A well considered decision of this Grand Lodge 
digested in Sec. 687 Digest reverted a decision of a former 
Grand Sire to the same effect, and settled the law that 
illegal admission by card is not void. Exceptions to the 
rule have been established in cases where the application 
was made to a lodge in another jurisdiction (see Digest 
691) and where a candidate was rejected (Digest 688). 



84 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

But the general law, that mere irregularities, without 
fraud, do not vitiate an admission is settled. We there- 
fore recommend the adoption of the following: 

Resolved, That Decision No. 8 of the Grand Sire be ap- 
proved up to and including the words is ' illegally admit- 
ted,' and the remainder of the decision is not approved." 

(This is inserted here that brothers may not be misled 
by the case set forth in the foregoing section. — Compiler. 

Sec. 327. Vote. No vote affecting membership can be 
taken except at a regular meeting. — J. G. L. of Mich. 185 1, 
p. 122. 

Sec. 328. Withdrawal card. A brother holding a with- 
drawal card is admitted to membership on such card in a 
lodge outside of the jurisdiction where he resides. No 
waiver of jurisdiction was asked, or given by the lodge in 
whose jurisdiction he resides. 

The action of the lodge admitting was illegal, but the 
brother is a legal member of the lodge to which he was ad- 
mitted. It is the privilege of the lodge in whose jurisdic- 
tion the brother resides to make complaint against the 
lodge admitting the brother, complaint for violation of 
jurisdiction to be made under the provisions of Art. 5, By- 
Laws G. L. of Mich. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1879, p. 154. 

Sec. 329. Withdrawal card. A brother who is sixty 
years of age and holds a withdrawal card is not excluded 
from membership as a benefit member on account of his 
advanced age, by any law of the Order; and, if his petition 
is presented, it must be received and disposed of in the 
usual way, that is, by reference, report and ballot. The 
propriety of admitting to membership in a lodge persons 
of advanced age either by card, certificate, as Ancient Odd 
Fellows, or by initiation, is a matter to be considered by 
the brothers of the lodge alone, and their judgment should 
be expressed by their ballots. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 85 

In case it is not deemed advisable to admit by card or 
certificate, brothers of advanced age to membership as 
benefit members, they may be admitted as non-benefit 
members if qualified under the law (see Clause 8, Sec. i, 
Art. 2, general laws) provided they make application for 
such non-benefit membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1882, pp. 
26, 121 ; 18S8, p. 98; 18S9, pp. 57, 58, 59, 142 ; 1896, pp. 68, 
215, 70; 1897, pp. 74, 208; 1898, p. 141; 1899, pp. 85, 206; 
1901, pp. 66, 67, 209, 210. 

Sec. 330. Withdrawal of application. After the report 
of a committee on an application for membership has been 
presented and read to the lodge, whether favorable or un- 
favorable, the time for the withdrawal of such* applica- 
tion has gone by, and it cannot be withdrawn, but the can- 
didate must be balloted for under the provisions of Clause 
3, Sec. 1, Art. 2, general laws — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, 
pp. 61, 62, 156. 

Sec. 331. Withdrawing petition. A petition for mem- 
bership which has been referred to a committee for investi- 
gation may be withdrawn at any time previous to the pre- 
sentation and reading to the lodge of the report of the in- 
vestigating committee under the proper order of busi- 
ness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 246, 318; 1902, p. 265. 

MEMORIZING WORK. 

Sec. 332. Amount required. The Committee on the State 
of the Order in reply to a question from No. 183, "Is the 
V. G. required to memorize the obligation to the ;candi- 
date at initiation, and is the N. G. required to memorize 
that part of the Ritual in fine print as to working into 
the Lodge,' ' reported that in their judgment it was the in- 
tent of the Grand Lodge, in the adoption of the resolution 
in 1886, to require the N. G. and the V. G. to memorize 
the entire work of the initiatory degree of their respective 



86 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

offices. A motion to adopt so much of the report of the 
committee as referred to the above question was lost. 

(It would therefore appear that it is not required that 
the V. G. memorize the obligation to the candidate, or 
that the N. G. memorize that part in the ritual in fine print 
as to working into the Lodge.) Compiler. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1889, pp. 140, 141; also Errata on last page of 
Journal, 1889. 

NEW LODGES. 

Sec. 333. As to the law covering the matter of appli- 
cations for a dispensation or charter to institute a new 
lodge see constitution of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, 
Clause 1, Sec. 1, Art. 5. 

NOBLE GRAND. 

Sec. 334. Entitled to vote. In acting upon the recom- 
mendation or resolution of a trial committee, involving 
suspension or expulsion, in cases where under the by-laws 
the N. G. is a voter on question of membership and the elec- 
tion of officers, the N. G. is entitled to vote and is to be 
counted as present and entitled to vote. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1868, pp. 139, 175. 

NOMINATIONS. 

Sec. 335. Time of. Nominations to fill a vacancy in 
any office in a subordinate lodge, should be made on the 
night of the regular meeting when the vacancy occurs 
and the election should be held at the next regula meet- 
ing. See Clause 5, Sec. 3, Art. 3, general laws. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1898, pp. 62, 156. 

Sec. 336. Presence not required. A brother not pres- 
ent in the lodge at the time of nomination may be nomi- 
nated for an office. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 246; 1905, 

PP- 45* 277. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 87 

It is further held that a provision in the by-law of a 
subordinate, in the words following, "Nor can any brother 
be balloted for except he has been regularly nominated 
and be present at the time of election, or notify the encamp- 
ment of his acceptance of the nomination," adds a new 
qualification for office and is therefor in conflict with the 
law and not permissable. — J. S. G. L. 1901, pp. 392, 413. 

Note. — The decision above is as to the by-law of a sub- 
ordinate encampment, but being by the Sov. Gr. Lodge it 
applies equally to a subordinate lodge. It will be seen 
that under decision of our Grand Lodge a brother may be 
nominated in his absence and by the holding of the Sov. 
Grand Lodge a subordinate cannot require presence at elec- 
tion or notice of acceptance. — Compiler. 

NOTES. 

Sec. 337. Money past due on note. A brother who 
owes a lodge money on a note past due, but whose dues are 
fully paid, is entitled to the S. A. P. W. The fact of in- 
debtedness by note does not affect his right to the P. W., 
his dues being fully paid. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, PP- 81, 
217; 1898, p. 143. 

NURSE HIRE. 

Sec. 338. A brother in arrears is entitled. Where the 
by-laws of a lodge provide that "the visiting committee 
if necessary shall employ a nurse, such nurse to be paid 
from the lodge und," under the provisions of the by-law 
above set forth, a brother, who at the commencement of 
sickness was in arrears to an amount that under the pro- 
visions of the by-law rendered him non-beneficial during 
such sickness, is still entitled to attentive benefits, and is 
entitled to a nurse under the provisions of the by-law 
herein set forth. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, pp. 247, 248. 

Sec. 339. Paid rom General Fund. Where the by-laws 



88 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

of a lodge provide for furnishing a nurse for the care of a 
sick brother, the expense of hiring such nurse may be paid 
from the General Fund of the lodge — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1900, p. 162. 

OFFENCES. 

Sec. 340. Using name of Order without permission. The 

giving of a ball by the members of a lodge without the au- 
thority of the Lodge and attaching the name of the Order 
to the ticket is sufficient cause for charges. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1876, pp. 246, 318. 

OFFICERS. 

Sec. 341. Absence at installation. The N. G., V. G. or 

other elective officer failing to be present on the night of 
the installation of officers and no satisfactory reason being 
given for his non-attendance, the installing officer, at his 
discretion, may declare the chair of such officer vacant, 
and require the lodge to nominate and elect a qualified 
brother to the office. The officer elected, if duly quali- 
fied, may be installed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 99, 209. 

Sec. 342. Appointment of officers pro tern. It is the 

duty of the N. G. to appoint all officers pro tern except the 
supporters of the V. G. If the financial secretary is ab- 
sent, the N. G. shall appoint a financial secretary pro tern, 
which appointment shall be recorded by the recording sec- 
retary and the brother so appointed shall be financial sec- 
retary for the evening or until the arrival of the financial 
secretary and may issue and sign official receipts. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1878, p. 114; 1903, pp. 84, 306; 1905, pp. 48, 
49, 279. 

Sec. 343. Brother nominated not present. A vacancy 
occurred by reason of the resignation of an elective officer. 
The lodge proceeded to nominate to fill vacancy. A le- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 89 

gaily qualified brother was nominated. On the night of 
election, the brother nominated was not present but noti- 
fied the lodge of his acceptance of the nomination. Under 
the ruling of the N. G. the lodge proceeded to make further 
nominations to fill said vacancy. This was illegal and 
void. A legally qualified brother having been nominated 
at the proper time and having accepted, no further nomi- 
nations could legally be made; and the election of any 
brother except the brother nominated at the regular time 
for nominations w r as illegal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1890, pp. 
138, 139- 

Sec. 344. Credit for attendance. An officer of a lodge 
present on the regular meeting night of the lodge, is en- 
titled to credit for such attendance although no quorum 
be present and no meeting be held. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1889, pp. 60, 61, 142. 

Sec. 345. Decisions of N. G. The N. G. is the judge in 
the first instance of all questions arising in the lodge; but 
all decisions and rulings of the N. G. are subject to appeal 
to the lodge and may be reversed by it. In which case 
the N. G. must abide by the decision of the lodge, until 
such decision be reversed by higher authority upon appeal 
thereto. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 248, 318. 

Sec. 346. Duties. Under the law of the Order each 
officer of a lodge has certain duties assigned to him which 
he is bound to perform. He has no right to assume the 
duties of other officers. The duties of the N. G. are de- 
fined in the charge book and laws of the Order and he has 
no right to go beyond what is there laid down. It is not 
the duty of the N. G. to open or close the lodge with prayer, 
but he may appoint a chaplain to perform that duty. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 249, 318. 

Sec. 347. Duty of warden. It is the duty of the warden 



90 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

to examine brothers who may be in the ante room at the 
opening of the lodge, the same as those who are in the 
lodge room proper. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 56, 148. 

Sec. 348. Election of N. G. A V. G. having served but 
five meeting nights in the V. G.'s chair is not qualified for 
N. G. Any P. V. G. in the lodge, the presiding N. G. 
or any P. G. may be nominated, and in case all legally 
qualified brothers decline to accept, follow the law as laid 
down in the last paragraph of Clause 1, Sec. 3, Art. 3 of the 
general laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 250. 

Sec. 349. Election of Scarlet Degree member. Previous 
to asking the Grand Master for a dispensation authorizing the 
election of a Scarlet Degree member to the office of N. G. 
or V. G., all legally qualified brothers present, including the 
sitting N. G., must have been nominated and declined. In 
case all decline, the lodge may petition the Grand Master for 
a dispensation authorizing the election of a Scarlet Degree 
member to either of said offices. No election of such mem- 
ber to either office can take place until such dispensation is 
received. See Clause 1, Sec. 2, Art. 3, general laws. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 90, 91, 306. 

Sec. 350. Eligible for nomination. A brother who by 
reason of being over fourteen weeks in arrears is deprived, 
under the by-laws, of the right to speak or vote in the lodge 
and also of the right to any benefits pecuniary or otherwise, 
but is still entitled to attend its meetings by reason of hav- 
ing the semi-annual pass-word, may be nominated for an 
elective office; but the disability must be removed before 
his installation, if elected. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 251, 
318; 1897, PP- 75> 211; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 351. Eligible to office of V. G. A brother who 
joins a lodge by card and who has served a term in an ap- 
pointed office in the lodge which granted the card, is en- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 91 

titled to the credit of such service in any lodge to which he 
mayjbelong; and upon the fact of such service being es- 
tablished, the brother is eligible to the office of V. G. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 71, 215; 1897, p. 72; 1898, p. 142. 

Sec. 352. Eligible to Vice Grand's chair. A Scarlet De- 
gree member is eligible to the office of Vice Grand when 
he has been elected or appointed to any office in the lodge 
and has been regularly installed and served a majority of 
the nights of the term and until the end thereof; or, if 
rilling a vacancy, when he has served a majority of the re- 
maining nights of the term and until the end thereof. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 61, 201. 

Sec. 353. Examination. The examination of the N. G. 
and V. G. elect, required to be made by the resolution of 
1886, Journal p. 91, is to be made by the instal ing officer 
or at his direction and in his presence by the Grand Mar- 
shal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, p. 127; 1903, pp. 88, 306. 

Sec. 354. Examination of books. A lodge has a right 
to authorize or direct an examination of the financial sec- 
retary's books at any time it may deem necessary An 
examination of the books is not an interference with them, 
within the meaning of the law. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 
40, 41, 103. 

Sec. 355. Failure to appear at installation. If an elect- 
ive officer fail to appear on the regular night of installa- 
tion and no satisfactory excuse is given for his absence, 
the installing officer may order an immediate nomination 
and election to fill the office, which election the installing 
officer shaft conduct. If such order is not made at that 
time it cannot be made thereafter, but the lodge may treat 
the officer as installed and vacate his office for non-attend- 
ance under the general laws, Clause 5, Sec. 2, Art. 3. 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1881, pp. 127, 128. 



92 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 356. Filling vacancy. A brother who is elected to 
fill a vacancy in an office, and duly installed, is entitled 
to the honors of the office provided he is present a ma- 
jority of the remaining nights of the term and serves until 
the end thereof. The number of nights remaining in the 
term is not material. — J. G. L. o Mich. 1899, pp. 83, 209. 

Sec. 357. Formal letters. The recording secretary 
may answer letters of a mere formal character which have 
been received between the meetings of the lodge. But if 
the answers are of a nature to involve the lodge in pecun- 
iary or other obligations they should only be written by 
order of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 309 

Sec. 358. Election of Grand Lodge officers. In the 

absence of the regular printed tickets for candidates for 
Grand Lodge officers at the time of election, the first meet- 
ing in June, the Past Grands present may vote by written 
tickets. An election held at another time than the first 
meeting in June is illegal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 309. 

Sec. 359. Grand officer and representative. Under the 
provision of the constitution of the Grand Lodge of the 
I. O. O. F. of Michigan, Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art, 2, a Past 
Grand may be a Grand Officer and a representative at the 
same time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 290. 

Sec. 360. Installation. The fact that an officer elect 
is indebted to his lodge for money borrowed for which the 
lodge holds his note past due, is no bar to his installation, 
provided he is under no disqualification on account of non- 
payment of dues and is otherwise eligible. — -J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1876, p. 331; 1888, pp. 43, 103, 104; 1901, pp. 67, 



Sec. 361. Installation. Whether the officers are re- 
elected or new officers are elected hey must be installed 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 93 

and the N. G. and the V. G. must be examined as required 
by the resolution of the G. L. of Mich. 1886, p. 90. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 72, 210; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 362. Junior Past Grand. It is legal to elect the 
Junior Past Grand to the office of recording secretary. 
His installation into said office does not vacate the chair 
of the Junior Past Grand, and he may act in both capaci- 
ties. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, p. 151; 1897, pp. 72, 208; 
1898, p. 143; 1903, pp. 87, 306. 

Sec. 363. Junior P. G. and treasurer. The retiring N. 
G. of a lodge may be elected treasurer; that is, the Junior 
P. G. occupying the Past Grand's chair may hold the office 
of treasurer at the same time and his installation as treas- 
urer does not affect his right to fill the Past Grand's chair 
and deliver the charge to initiates. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, 
pp. 71, 215; 1894, p. 151. 

Sec. 364. Member of committee defrauding the lodge. 

A member of a lodge acting on a committee for arranging 
a dance or other entertainment for the benefit of the lodge, 
collecting the proceeds and neglecting or refusing to pay 
them over to the lodge is liable to charges, which should be 
preferred for defrauding the lodge — J. G. L. of Mich. 1893, 
PP. 57. 128. 

Sec. 365. More than one office. No brother can hold 
more than one elective office in a subordinate lodge at the 
same time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 99, 209. 

Sec. 366. Noble Grand absent. A Noble Grand having 
been absent thirteen nights of the term did not serve a 
majority of the nights of the term and is not entitled to a 
Past Grand's certificate, unless his absence was occasioned 
by sickness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, p. 95; 1894, pp. 55, 
148. 



94 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

The sickness, which will excuse an absent officer and en- 
title him to the honors of the office, must be the personal 
sickness of the officer, and not that of some member of 
his family. — J. S. G. L. 1900, pp. 504, 827-8. 

Sec. 367. N. G. entitled to honors of office. A N. G. 

who was present and filled the chair eighteen nights is en- 
titled to a Past Grand's certificate and is a Past Grand, un- 
less the Noble Grand's chair was declared vacant previous 
to the end of the term, in which case he is neither a Past 
Grand nor entitled to a Past Grand's certificate, as an 
officer to be entitled to the honors of the term must not only 
be present and serve a majority of the meeting nights of 
the term, but must hold the office to the end of the term. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 60, 201. 

Sec. 368. Occupying the Vice Grand's chair. A visit- 
ing brother temporarily occupying the Vice Grand's chair 
by appointment of the Noble Grand is for the time being 
Vice Grand and is empowered to perform all the duties 
of Vice Grand. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1881, pp. 35, 129. 

Sec. 369. P. G. charge. No person but a P. G. or a N. 

G. in the absence of all Past Grands is qualified under the 
law to deliver the Past Grand's charge to an initiate. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 215 ; 1905, pp. 46, 277. 

Sec. 370. Power of Vice Grand. A Vice Grand, pre- 
siding in the absence of the Noble Grand, is de facto Noble 
Grand and is legally qualified to perform all the duties of 
Noble Grand in any work or business that may come be- 
fore the lodge while he is in the Noble Grand's chair. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 246; 1905, pp. 49, 277. 

Sec. 371. Presiding officer. The Noble Grand being 
absent, the Vice Grand must preside and he cannot waive 
his right, except during initiation, grand visitations, or the 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 95 

conferring of degrees, when he may call a P. G. to the 
chair. During such ceremonies, the P. G. called to the 
chair may be a member of the lodge or a visitor. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1878, p. 103. 

Sec. 372. Qualifications for V. G. The office of chaplain 
is a qualifying office for V. G. provided the brother has 
filled the office of chaplain for a term since January 1, 1895. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 76, 212 ; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 373. Question between N. G. and V. G. In case a 
question should arise between the N. G. and the V. G. as 
to the number of black balls which were cast against an 
applicant, the N. G. will decide, subject to appeal to the 
lodge, as on any other question. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, 
pp. 248, 318. 

Sec. 374. Right Supporter. While the Right Supporter 
of the Noble Grand is occupying the Noble Grand's chair, 
he is de facto Noble Grand with all the powers of the Noble 
Grand as a presiding officer. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1877, p. 
116; 1904, pp. 60, 201. 

Sec. 375. Right Supporter. The Right Supporter of 
the Noble Grand temporarily occupying the Noble Grand's 
chair is not to wear the Noble Grand's regalia. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1878, pp. 169, 170; 1888, pp. 42, 103, 104. 

Sec. 376. Right Supporter. During a temporary ab- 
sence from the chair of the N. G. and while he remains in 
the lodge room or ante room, it is the duty of the Right Sup- 
porter to occupy the Noble Grand's chair and when so oc- 
cupying the chair he is de facto Noble Grand and may call 
the lodge to order after a recess. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, 
pp. 80, 215; 1898, p. 143. 

Sec. 377. Service to procure honors of term. Service 



96 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

in office to the last moment of a term is a prerequisite to 
securing the honors of the term. If a Noble Grand or 
other officer vacates his office by resignation or withdrawal 
before the term has fully expired, he is not entitled to the 
honors of the office. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 87. 

Sec. 378. Special treasurer. There is no such officer 
known to our Order as a special treasurer, and no lodge can 
have such an officer either by provision of their by-laws or 
otherwise. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 67, 209, 210. 

Sec. 379. Suspension of. The suspension of an officer 
for cause (after trial and conviction) for any length of time 
vacates the office and the lodge should fill the vacancy. 
The suspended brother is not entitled to the office at the 
expiration of his term of suspension; and, as he did not 
serve to the end of the term for which he was elected, he 
is not a Past Grand and is not entitled to a certificate. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, pp. 94, 95. 

Sec. 380. Terms of recording secretary and treasurer. 

The terms of recording secretary and treasurer or either of 
them may be, by provision of the by-laws of a lodge, fixed 
at one year. G. L. Clause 1, Sec. 1, Art. 3 — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1895, pp. 76, 77, 205 ; 1905, pp. 50, 277. 

Sec. 381. Time of examination. In case of a public 
installation, the examination of the N. G. and V. G. in 
open lodge as required by the resolution of 1886 should 
take place previous to the opening of the lodge to the 
public, or on the meeting night previous to such public 
installation. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, p. 100. 

Sec. 382. Time of membership. A brother joining a 
lodge by card is eligible to the office of Vice Grand one week 
thereafter, so far as membership is concerned. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1886, p. 96. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 97 

Sec. 383. Treasurer's bond. When a treasurer is re- 
elected, the bond which he gave at the time of his instal- 
lation at the commencement of the past term is not suffi- 
cient for the coming term. A new bond must be given. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 67, 209, 210. 

Sec. 384. Vacancy in office of Noble Grand. A va- 
cancy occurring in the office of Noble Grand, the Vice 
Grand, not having served a term as Vice Grand, is not eli- 
gible to fill the vacancy unless he was a Past Vice Grand 
previous to election to the office of Vice Grand which he 
now holds.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1886, p. 98. 

Sec. 385. Vice Grand. A Vice Grand who did not fill 
the chair of Vice Grand in person for a majority of the 
nights of the term, unless prevented by sickness, is not 
eligible to the chair of Noble Grand even though excused 
by the lodge, and, if elected and installed into the office of 
Noble Grand, such election and installation is illegal. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1881, p. 126. 

Sec. 386. Vice Grand. Any brother of the Degree of 
Truth who has served a term or has filled a vacancy the 
majority of the remaining nights of the term and to the 
end thereof, in some elective or appointive office, is eli- 
gible to the office of V. G. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 76, 
77, 205. General laws of G. L. of Mich. Clause 1, Sec. 3, 
Art. 3. 

Sec. 387. Warden. The warden cannot be made an 
elective officer by any by-law of the lodge. General laws 
of G. L. of Mich. Clause 1, Sec. 3. Art. 3 — J. G. L. of 
JMich. 1895, pp. 76, 77, 205. 

7 



98 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



OPENING LODGE. 

Sec. 388. S. A. P. W. On examination prior to the 
opening of the lodge, the N. G. being the custodian of the 
S. A. P. W., should communicate it to the warden. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1901, p. 123, Decision No. 16 Grand Representa- 
tive's report. 

Note. — The decision of the G. M. approved by the Grand 
Lodge, that "the warden should collect the P. W. from 
the N. G." (Journal 1903, pp. 91, 306), was an error. — 
Compiler. 

• ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

Sec. 389. Request for certificate. The following reso- 
lution was duly adopted by the Grand Lodge: Resolved, 
That the order of business of each lodge in this jurisdic- 
tion may contain the following clause, "Does any brother 
desire a certificate to entitle him to take the encampment 
or Rebekah degrees?" — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 289. 

PASS WORD. A. T. P. W. OR S. A. P. W. 

Sec. 390. Authority to communicate. A visiting card, 
the date of which extends to a date later than when the 
same is presented, or an official certificate, properly signed 
and sealed, for dues paid to a date later than when the 
same is presented is sufficient authority for the N. G. of 
any lodge, upon proper identification, to communicate to 
the holder of such card or certificate the A. T. P. W. If 
the holder of a visiting card or official certificate is a mem- 
ber of a lodge in the same jurisdiction as the lodge to 
which the visiting card or official certificate is presented, 
then the N. G. is authorized to communicate to the holder 
of such visiting card or official certificate the S. A. P. W. 
— J. S. G. L. 1899, p. 344; J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, pp. 90, 
91, 209; 1902, p. 245; 1903, pp. 85, 306; 1904, pp. 62, 201. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 99 

Sec. 391. Communicated on an order. A subordi- 
nate lodge is not authorized to send an order for the semi- 
annual or term pass word to an absent member, he being 
in another State; nor can a N. G. of a lodge in this juris- 
diction communicate the semi-annual or term pass word 
on an order issued by a N. G. of a lodge outside of the 
jurisdiction. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 85, 306. 

Sec. 392. During life of card. The annual travelling 
pass word which a brother receives with a card, visiting or 
withdrawal, is the proper word to use during the life of 
the card.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 87. 

Sec. 393. Entitled to. All brothers in good standing 
are entitled to the S. A. P. W., but in cases of insanity or 
partial insanity, some discretion as to the propriety of com- 
municating the word must be placed in the hands of the 
X. G. in the first instance, subject to review by the lodge 
and the Grand Lodge on appeal — J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, 
p. 99. 

Sec. 394. Entitled to. Brothers in good standing are 
entitled to the semi-annual pass word. To be in good 
standing he must be a contributing member and free from 
all disability by reason of non-payment of dues of any 
kind. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1892, pp. 56, 136. 

Sec. 395. Entitled to. A member who is thirteen weeks 
in arrears for dues is not entitled to the semi-annual or 
term pass word. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 63, 201. 

Sec. 396. Entitled to. A brother is entitled to the S. 
A. P. W. if in good standing, free from all disability by 
reason of non-payment of dues, at the time when he ap- 
plies for said P. W. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 63, 154. 

Sec. 397. Entitled to. If a member's dues are paid to 



100 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

the beginning of the term, he is entitled to the S. A. P. W. 
for that term, and any brother less than thirteen weeks in 
arrears when he applies for said word is entitled to receive 
it. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 63, 154, 156. 

Note. — The foregoing must be understood as referring 
to receiving the pass word from the N. G. in his own lodge, 
and not upon an official certificate or receipt, in which case 
the certificate or receipt must show dues paid to a date 
beyond the time when the pass word is asked for. — Com- 
piler. 

Sec. 398. Officers entitled to. The N. G. and the V. 

G. are the only officers of a lodge entitled to be put in pos- 
session of the A. T. P. W. by the Grand Master or the in- 
stalling officer at the time of installation. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1885, p. 87. 

Sec. 399. Right to communicate. The N. G. of a team 
or staff, initiating a candidate, has a right to give such 
candidate the S. A. P. W., but he has no right to communi- 
cate such word at any other time or to any other brother 
by reason of being the N. G. of the team or staff. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1897, pp. 152, 153 ; 1905, pp. 48, 277. 

Sec. 400. To members. A D. D. G. M. has no right to 
communicate the S. A. P. W. to members of the lodge 
excepting only to the N. G. and V. G. at installation. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 78 205 

Sec. 401. When communicated. The N. G. of a lodge 
may communicate the S. A. P. W. to a member of his 
lodge in good standing at any proper time or place. He, 
the N. G., may delegate his authority to a brother of his 
lodge, who is in possession of said word, to communicate 
the same to a brother of the lodge entitled thereto at any 
time or place. The delegation of the power to communi- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 101 

cate the word applies to the particular case and no other. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 156, 157. 

Sec. 402. When given. It is not permissible for the 
N. G. to give a brother the S. A, P. W. of the new term 
until after the installation of officers. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1901, pp. 68, 207. 208. 

PAST GRAND. 

Sec. 403. When. A Noble Grand becomes a Past 
Grand and entitled to a P. G. certificate when he has served 
a majority of the nights of a full term and until the end 
thereof, or if filling a vacancy, when he has served a ma- 
jority of the remaining nights of the term after his instal- 
lation and until the end of the term. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, 
pp. 243, 244; 1905, pp. 52, 277. 

PETITIONS. 

Sec. 404. Form. Subordinate lodges in this jurisdic- 
tion are not required to use the form of petition for mem- 
bership provided by the Sov. Grand Lodge, but may use 
such form, or the form heretofore used by them, or such 
form as they may provide. The declaration required by 
the report of the committee on page 145 of the Journal as to 
P. C. is now obsolete. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 51, 144, 
145. 

Sec. 405. When withdrawn. A petition for member- 
ship having been presented and referred to a committee 
for investigation, the brothers presenting such petition 
have the right to withdraw it at any time previous to the 
report of the investigating committee being presented and 
read to the lodge. No permission of the lodge is neces- 
sary. After the report of the committee is read to the lodge 
the petition cannot be withdrawn even with the consent 
of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 93, 308. 



102 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



PHOTOGRAPHS. 

Sec. 406. In robes of staff. It is improper and illegal 
for a degree staff to have a photograph taken clothed in 
the robes of the staff. Neither is it permissible to photo- 
graph groups of ritualistic characters and thereby present 
pictures of the ritualistic floor work of the various branches 
of the Order, without special permission of the Sov. Grand 
Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1893, pp. 57, 128; 1894, pp. 161, 
162; 1895, PP- 77> 2 °5 I 1 9°°, PP- 7 2 J 49- 

PUBLIC PROCESSIONS, ETC. 

Sec. 407. Permission required. No lodge shall have a 
public procession, lecture, ball or festival without the per- 
mission in writing of the Grand Master (except to attend 
the funeral of a brother). Permission to hold any anni- 
versary or other celebration, ball or party, where the re- 
galia of the Order is worn or the name of the Order as- 
sumed, shall only be granted on the receipt of a pledge in 
the following form duly signed by the officers of the lodge 
and under seal. 

FORM OF PLEDGE. 

To the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge I. O. O. F. of 

Mich Lodge No I. O. O. F., being 

desirous of holding a on the day 

of ..respectfully ask your permission to 

hold the same, upon the distinct pledge, which is hereby 
given, that no intoxicating beverages of any kind shall 
be offered to the guests or members present on the occa- 
sion. 

N. G. 

V. G. 

Seal Sec. 

By-Laws of G. L. of Mich. Sec. 7, Art. 2. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICIIKiAN. 103 



QUESTIONS OF LAW. 

Sec. 408. Decisions of Grand Master. In all cases 
where it is desired to have the decision of the Grand Master 
upon any question as to the laws or usages of the Order, 
the brother desiring such decision shall present the ques- 
tions to the lodge of which he is a member. The lodge 
shall certify the same and forward them to the Grand 
Master with such explanation, if any, as they desire to 
make. The Grand Master shall not officially answer any 
questions submitted to him unless the provisions of the 
foregoing are complied with. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1879, p. 
106. 

Note. — The terms of the foregoing are somewhat mod- 
ified by the revised constitution of the Grand Lodge in 
force at this date, Clause 1, Sec. 2, Art. 3 of which con- 
stitution provides that the Grand Master "shall answer 
such questions as to the laws and usages of the Order, 
as may be submitted to him in writing under the seal of a 
lodge or by a D. D. Grand Master and none others." — 
Compiler. 

READMISSION. 

Sec. 409. Of expelled member. An expelled member 
can only be readmitted to the lodge expelling as provided 
in Clause 11, Sec. 4, Art. 2 of the general laws. No lodge 
except the lodge expelling has jurisdiction to readmit an 
expelled member. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, PP- 75> 2 °5 J 
1896, pp. 70, 215; 1902, p. 250. 



REBEKAH LODGE LAWS. 

Sec. 410. Questions referred to Rebekah Assembly. At 

the session of the Grand Lodge held October, 1897, the fol- 
lowing was adopted. Hereafter all questions as to the 
laws and usages governing Rebekah lodges are to be sub- 



104 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

mitted to and passed upon by the Rebekah Assembly; or 
during the interim of its sessions, such questions may be 
submitted to and passed upon by the president of the 
Assembly, whose decisions are binding, under the constitu- 
tional provision, upon the member or lodge submitting the 
question until reversed by the Assembly to which the 
president is required to report all her decisions. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1897, p. 219; 1898, p. 143. 

RECEIPTS. 

Sec. 411. Official. The official certificate (receipt) is 
the only receipt to be used when receipting for money paid 
for dues, assessments, and fees of all kinds by brothers.- — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 76, 208 ; 1898, p. 141. 

REGALIA. 

Sec. 412. Encampment. A member of a subordinate 
lodge who is also a member of an encampment has a right 
to wear his encampment regalia in his subordinate lodge 
and having a right to wear such regalia, his rights as a 
member of his lodge are not in any particular affected by 
the wearing of such encampment regalia. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1896, pp. 70 215. 

Sec. 413. Jewel not a substitute. A P. G. jewel cannot 
be worn as a substitute for a P. G. collar as regalia but it 
may be worn in connection with regalia. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1896, pp. 68, 215. 

Sec. 414. Of a degree staff. When a degree staff is to 
confer degrees and is dressed in the regalia or parapher- 
nalia of the staff, it is not necessary that they should also 
wear the usual regalia. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 68, 215. 

Sec. 415. When worn. An encampment member may 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 105 

wear his encampment regalia when visiting a subordinate 
lodge or when attending his own lodge, unless he be an 
officer of his lodge, in which case he must wear the regalia 
of his office. The term, an encampment member, as used 
in this section, must be understood to mean an active mem- 
ber, not under suspension for non-payment of dues. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1902, p. 245. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

Sec. 416. After seven years. A member under suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues, who has been under suspen- 
sion for seven years, and who at the time of applying for 
reinstatement is fifty-one years of age, is eligible to rein- 
statement as a benefit member; in fact, is a benefit mem- 
ber, if reinstated, unless he has the qualifications pre- 
scribed in Clause 3, Sec. 3, Art. 2 of the general laws, for 
reinstatement as a non-benefit member and makes appli- 
cation for such membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 
72, 149; 1903, pp. 77, 306. 

Sec. 417. After the age of fifty. A brother who w r as un- 
der suspension for non-payment of dues, reinstated after 
he has reached fifty years of age is a benefit mem- 
ber, unless such suspended brother applied for and was re- 
instated as a non-benefit member. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1887, p. 51; 1888, pp. 40, 103, 104; 1903, pp. 77, 306; 1904, 
pp. 64, 201. 

Sec. 418. Application denied. A member under sus- 
pension for non-payment of dues makes application to 
his lodge for reinstatement, accompanied with necessary 
fee for reinstatement. His application is denied. In 
such case the money accompanying the application must 
be returned to the applicant. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 86. 

Sec. 419. As a non-benefit member. A suspended 



106 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

member who was over fifty years of age was reinstated as 
a non-benefit member. He was afterwards declared a 
benefit member by vote of the lodge. The action of the 
lodge declaring a non-benefit member a benefit member 
was unwarranted and illegal. The general law provides 
as to the admission or reinstatement of a brother as a non- 
benefit member and there is no other way. There can be 
no transferring from benefit to non-benefit membership, 
nor the reverse, that is, from non-benefit to benefit mem- 
bership, and the action of the lodge in declaring a non- 
benefit member a benefit member being illegal does not 
entitle the brother so transferred to sick or funeral benefits 
in case of sickness or death. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 
83, 306, 307. 

Sec. 420. By vote of lodge. A member suspended for 
non-payment of dues, after having been under suspen- 
sion for several years, tenders to the financial secretary the 
full amount of all dues that have accrued against him dur- 
ing the period of his suspension. The tender or payment 
of such dues does not restore him to his standing in "the 
lodge, which can only be done by a two -thirds vote of the 
members present at a regular meeting and the payment 
of the sum prescribed in the general laws or the by-laws of 
the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1891, p. 159 ; 1899, pp. 83, 208. 

Sec. 421. Fee. The amount paid by a suspended 
member for reinstatement cannot, as a matter of course, 
be applied on dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 60, 201. 

Sec. 422. Manner. Manner of reinstatement of mem- 
bers under suspension for non-payment of dues, see Clause 
2, Sec. 3, Art. 2, General Laws. 

Note. — The law as set forth in Clause 2 formerly pro- 
vided that to reinstate a member under suspension for 
non-payment of dues, required a two-thirds vote of the 
members present and entitled to vote. It will be observed 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 107 

that the law now in force requires only a two-thirds vote 
of the members present and voting. Under the old law, 
members present who were entitled to vote, not voting were 
counted as voting against reinstatement. Under the 
present law members not voting are not counted either for 
or aganist the motion to reinstate. -^Compiler. 

Sec. 423. Manner of voting. A member under suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues applying for reinstatement 
cannot be subjected to a ball ballot. The vote on reinstate- 
ment is to be taken in the usual manner of voting. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1886, p. 95; 1894, pp. 56, 148; 1895, PP- 77> 
205; 1903, pp. 86, 308; 1904, pp. 63, 201. 

Sec. 424. New committee not permissible. A brother 
under suspension for non-payment of dues, applied for 
reinstatement and the lodge under the provisions of Clause 
2, Sec. 3, Art. 2, General Laws, referred the application to 
a committee, which committee reported at the next regu- 
lar meeting. At this same meeting, a motion was made to 
appoint another committee on the application for rein- 
statement, and this motion the chair properly ruled out of 
order. The application having been referred and re- 
ported upon under the provisions of Clause 2 above re- 
ferred to, no further committee is permissible under said 
Clause 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 213, 214. 

Sec. 425. Not by one vote. A member, under suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues, may be reinstated and 
granted a withdrawal card, but not by one vote. The 
brother may first be reinstated by a two-third vote in the 
usual manner of voting, no ballot. The vote on reinstat- 
ing being favorable, a withdrawal card may be granted, 
the vote on granting the card to be by ball ballot. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 91, 308. 

Sec. 426. Not reconsidered. After a brother, who is 



108 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

under suspension for non-payment of dues, has been rein- 
stated, having paid the necessary reinstatement fee, the 
lodge cannot reconsider the vote reinstating such brother. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1855, P- 3 1 

Sec. 427. Payment required. A brother under suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues who has not been suspended 
one year desires to be reinstated. 

It is not competent for his lodge to require him to pay 
$10.00 or any other sum in excess of the amount of one 
year's dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1873, p. 87; 1891, p. 138. 

RELIEF. 

Sec. 428. At discretion of lodge. A subordinate lodge 
may at its discretion grant aid to the widow and orphans of 
a deceased brother who are in needy circumstances, al- 
though the brother at the time of his sickness and death 
was not entitled to benefits by reason of non-payment of 
dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 61, 154. 

Sec. 429. Ownership of sum contributed. When per- 
mission is granted to apply to sister lodges for relief for 
some brother or widow, the sum contributed belongs to 
the brother or widow named in the application for aid or 
relief and not to the lodge through which the application 
was authorized. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 152, 153. 

RENUNCIATION. 

Sec. 430. Effect on benefits. A brother who renounces 
the Order, thereby forfeits all benefits to which he other- 
wise would have been entitled under the law from the date 
of such renunciation, and neither the brother nor his fam- 
ily has any further claim on the lodge or the Order, nor are 
the family, in the event of the brother's death, entitled 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 109 

to funeral expenses or benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1899, 
PP, 95- 2oS - 

REPORTS TO GRAND LODGE. 

Sec. 431. Required by law. At the end of each term all 
subordinate lodges are required to prepare a report of the 
work of the term containing such information as is required 
by Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 5 of the constitution of the Grand 
Lodge. Such report must be fully completed, signed by 
the X. G. and the secretary with the seal of the lodge at- 
tached, and must be delivered to the D. D. G. M. or in- 
stalling officer previous to installation. The dues to the 
Grand Lodge must be forthwith transmitted to the grand 
secretary together with the receipt of the D. D. G. M. or 
installing officer for the reports delivered to him. Any 
lodge that shall fail to have its reports (or evidence that 
said reports were delivered to the installing officer previous 
to installation) and all moneys due the Grand Lodge in 
the hands of the grand secretary at least four weeks pre- 
vious to the opening of the annual session on the third 
Tuesday in October shall not be entitled to representa- 
tion at such session; and no representative from any sub- 
ordinate lodge so defaulting shall be admitted to a seat as 
a representative. — Constitution Gr. Lodge of Mich, Clause 
2, Sec. 1, Art. 5. 

REPRESENTATIVE TO GRAND LODGE. 

Sec. 432. Eligible to nomination and election. A P. G. 

who has not received the Gr. Lodge degree may be nomi- 
nated for an office in the Grand Lodge and, if elected, may 
be installed if found eligible at the time of installation. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 79, 205. 

Sec. 433. Junior P. G. eligible. The Junior P. G. (sit- 
ting P. G. so called) is as much a P. G. as the oldest P. 
G. in the lodge, and, if in good standing at the time of elec- 



110 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

tion, is eligible to election as a representative to the Grand 
Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 67, 209, 210. 

Sec. 434. Number based on June report. The number 
of epresentatives to the Grand Lodge to which a lodge is 
entitled is determined by the number of members a lodge 
reports and pays dues on in its June report previous to 
the meet ng of the Grand Lodge. The fact that a lodge 
may have had sufficient membership at the time of the elec- 
tion to entitle it to two representatives and that it has 
elected two representatives is not material. If the report 
does not show one hundred members, only one represen- 
tative will be admitted to Grand Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1901, pp. 68, 209, 210. 

Sec. 435. Number of. The number of representatives 
to which a lodge is entitled is to be determined by the 
number of members reported in its semi-annual report for 
the term ending June 30 last preceding the annual session, 
and a lodge is not entitled to an additional representative 
on account of an increase of members after June 30. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 54, 148. 

Sec. 436. Per diem and mileage. Representatives to 
the Grand Lodge are paid per diem and mileage by the 
Grand Lodge and a subordinate lodge cannot legally pay 
from the treasury of the lodge additional mileage or per 
diem to their representative. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, p. 
234- 

Sec. 437. Qua ifications. The repre entative elect to 
the Grand Lodge resigns. A P. G. to be eligible to fill the 
vacancy must have been eligible to the office at the com- 
mencement of the term during which the vacancy oc- 
curred. (See Clause 5, Sec. 3, Art. 3 General Laws.) The 
N. G. of the past term is not eligible. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1882, p. 100. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. Ill 

Sec. 438. Qualifications. To be eligible for election as 
a representative to the Grand Lodge, a brother must be at 
the time of election, the first meeting in June, a Past Grand 
in good standing. Before a N. G. becomes a P G. he must 
serve as N. G. until the last moment of the term ending 
with the first meeting in July following; therefore not be- 
ing a P. G. at the time of election, he cannot be elected a 
representative to G. L., nor can the election be deferred 
until after the first meeting in July, and the P. G., who 
was N. G. of last term, be then elected. Such a course 
would be an attempt to evade the law and therefore il- 
legal. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1878, pp. 44, 45. 

Sec. 439. Qualifications. By virtue of service in the 
Xoble Grand's chair a brother becomes entitled to the 
rank of Past Grand and the right to a seat in the Grand 
Lodge. A Junior Past Grand can therefore be elected a 
representative to the Grand Lodge, but service as N. G. 
to the very last moment of the term is a preliminary to be- 
coming a Past Grand. — J. G.' L. of Mich. 1888, p. 99; 1905, 
PP- 52, 277. 

Sec. 440. Qualifications. The only requirement for a 
representative to the Grand Lodge is that the brother shall 
be a Past Grand at the time of election the first meeting 
in June of each year. The moment the N. G. retires from 
the chair on the order of the installing officer, he is a P. G. 
with all the rights as such of the oldest P. G. in the lodge 
and should he never occupy the Past Grand's chair, it will 
not affect his standing or rights as a P. G. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1896, pp. 71, 215; 1903, pp. 91, 92, 106; 1905, pp. 52, 
277, 282, 283 

Sec. 441. Qualifications. A Past Grand was in arrears 
to an amount that rendered him liable to suspension for 
non-payment of dues. The P. G. so in arrears was duly 
elected a representative to the Grand Lodge at the elec- 



112 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

tion held on the first meeting in June. The General Law 
Clause 6, Sec. 3, Art. 3 specially provides that the repre- 
sentatives shall be elected from among the Past Grands who 
are in good standing at the time of election, and under this 
express provision of the law, the P. G., not being in good 
standing, was not eligible to election. His election was 
therefore illegal and it was the right and duty of the lodge 
to so declare it and to fill the vacancy thus created, by the 
nomination and election of a Past Grand in good standing 
who was a Past Grand at the time of election in June, and 
to issue to the P. G. so elected a representative's certificate. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1901, pp. 69, 209. 

Sec. 442. Time of election. A N. G. cannot be legally 
elected a representative to G. L. previous to the expiration 
of his term as N. G. and if so elected is not entitled to a seat 
in the G. L. as a representative — J. G. L. of Mich. January 
session, 1850, p. 435. 

A lodge cannot defer the election of representative to 
G. L. and, at a future meeting after the sitting N. G. at 
the regular time of election has become a P. G., elect him 
as a representative to the G. L. Such a course is illegal 
and the representative so elected is not entitled to a seat. 
J. G. L. of Mich. July session, 1850, pp. 15, 16; 1903, pp. 
92, 306; 1905, pp. 52, 277, 282, 283. 

RESIGNATION. 

Sec. 443. Effect of. It is the right of any brother to 
resign his membership in the Order. Such resignation 
must be in writing and signed by the brother who must be 
in good standing, with dues fully paid to date of present- 
ing his resignation. Such resignation entirely severs the 
brother's connection with the Order and he is no longer 
to any extent subject to its jurisdiction. The brother hav- 
ing a right to resign the acceptance of such resignation is 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 113 

not subject to the action of the lodge. They must simply 
accept it and make it a matter of record. 

A member thus resigning his membership is entitled to 
a certificate under seal, setting forth the fact of such res- 
ignation. Such certificate may be issued to a member 
who resigns his membership at the time of his resignation 
or when applied for. — J. G. L, of Mich. 1899, pp. 94, 209; 
1904, pp. 60, 201; 1905, pp. 51, 277. 

Sec. 444. Takes effect at once. AVhen an elective offi- 
cer of a lodge resigns and his resignation is accepted by 
the lodge, the office is vacant at once. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1894, pp. 54, 148. 

RESTORATION OF CHARTER TO DEFUNCT LODGE. 

Sec. 445. To five or more members. When the charter 
of a defunct lodge is restored to five or more of the former 
members of such lodge who are not at the time connected 
with any other lodge, they are not chargeable with a 
charter fee. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1880, pp. 161, 162. 

Sec. 446. To less than five of former members. Where 
the charter of a defunct lodge is restored and there are less 
than five of the former members of such lodge among the 
petitioners to whom the charter is restored, a charter fee 
must be charged and paid, as in issuing a new charter. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1880, pp. 161, 162. 

ROBES. 

Sec. 447. In a parade. A lodge is not allowed to wear 
the robes of the lodge on a float in a gala day parade to 
be held in the city. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 66, 201. 

SALOON-KEEPERS, BARTENDERS, LIQUOR BUSINESS. 

Sec. 448. Bondsman for a saloon-keeper. A brother 
signing the bonds of a saloon-keeper does not by so doing 
8 



114 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

become a saloon-keeper nor make himself amenable under 
the law as to saloon-keepers, bartenders, etc., and such 
bondsman is eligible to membership in the Order. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 78, 79, 306; 1904, pp. 65, 201. 

Sec. 449. Continuance as such. A brother was in the 
saloon business prior to the adoption of the amendment 
to Art. 16 of the constitution of the Sov. Gr. Lodge, adding 
Sec. 5, which disqualifies from membership in the Order 
saloon-keepers, bartenders and professional gamblers. So 
long as such brother remains in the saloon business as pro- 
prietor or bartender his standing in the Order is not dis- 
turbed or affected by said Sec. 5 ; but, should he discontinue 
his business or occupation as a saloon-keeper or bartender, 
he cannot re-engage in either of the prohibited callings 
without making himself amenable to the law and liable to 
charges, and, if convicted, to expulsion. A brother in 
the saloon business previous to the adoption of Sec. 5, and 
legally a member of the Order while a saloon-keeper or 
bartender, may retain his membership so long as he con- 
tinues in the business or occupation in which he was en- 
gaged at the time of the adoption of said amendment ; but, 
if such a bartender changes his occupation to that of sa- 
loon-keeper, he becomes ineligible to hold membership 
under Sec. 5. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1898, pp. 61, 154; Grand 
Rep. Report, pp. 108, 109. 

Sec. 450. Eligible to membership. A member of the 
Order was not in the saloon business in either of its pro- 
hibited forms in September, 1895, or at the time that his 
lodge granted him a withdrawal card, but, after receiving 
his withdrawal card, he went into the saloon business. 
After a time he quit the saloon business and deposited his 
card for membership in the lodge issuing said card, and of 
which he was formerly a member. Under the foregoing 
statement any lodge may legally admit the brother to 
membership. The fact that during a portion of the in- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 115 

terim between the granting of the card and his depositing 
it for membership, the party was in the saloon business, 
does not affect his eligibility to admission so long as he is 
not in the prohibited business when admitted to member- 
ship on his card. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 78, 306. 

Sec. 451. If convicted, must be expelled. A member of 
a lodge who engages in the saloon business, as proprietor 
or bartender, is guilty of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fel- 
low, and charges should be preferred against him. As the 
local law in this jurisdiction does not provide by whom 
charges are to be preferred, such duty especially devolves 
upon the N. G., or in the event of his absence or inability, 
then the V. G. should perform such duty. In the absence 
of any local regulation, any member of the lodge, having 
knowledge of such violation, would be authorized to pre- 
fer charges. Charges having been preferred, a regular 
trial must be held under the law governing trials, when, if 
the allegation that the accused has engaged in the saloon 
business in either of the prohibited forms (saloon-keeper 
or bartender) is proven, the accused must be expelled. A 
brother charged with an offense against the laws of the 
Order cannot be expelled without charges and trial. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 77, 306; J. Sov. Gr. Lodge 1904, pp. 
753. 754, 820. 

Sec. 452. Illegally admitted. A member of a lodge in 
good standing took a withdrawal card from his lodge for 
the purpose of entering the saloon business. He held the 
card for about three months and then deposited it in a sister 
lodge (having concurrent jurisdiction with the lodge grant- 
ing the card) w T ith an application for membership giving 
his occupation as "merchant," though still continuing in 
the saloon business. The applicant was elected and ad- 
mitted to membership in the lodge to which he applied. 
Under the foregoing state of affairs, it is held: 
First. That, as the member to whom the card was 



116 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

granted was not in the saloon business at the time when 
the card was granted, the lodge granting the card was not 
at fault. 

Second. The holder of the card, having engaged in the 
saloon business, as the proprietor of a saloon, after the card 
was granted and previous to its being deposited with a pe- 
tition for membership, came clearly within the provisions 
of the last paragraph of Clause 5, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the Gen- 
eral Laws, and was not eligible to membership. The 
lodge admitting him was guilty of a clear violation of law 
and the party was illegally admitted, not being eligible to 
membership, and should be expelled after charges arid 
trial. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 309, 310. 

Sec. 453. Ineligible to membership. Saloon-keepers 
and bartenders are ineligible to membership in the Order, 
except such as were employed either as saloon-keepers or 
bartenders when the amendment to Art. 16 of the consti- 
tution of the Sov. Gr. Lodge was adopted in September, 
1895, an d have remained continuously in the business. 
The membership of such brother is not disturbed by the 
amendment. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 78, 306. 

Sec. 454. Liable to charges. A member of the Order 
who has gone into the saloon business in either of the pro- 
hibited forms since the adoption of the amendment to Art. 
16 of the constitution of the Sov. Gr. Lodge, by adding 
Sec. 5, prohibiting the membership in the Order of saloon- 
keepers, bartenders and professional gamblers, is guilty 
of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. If the lodge of 
which such a brother is a member, knows of the violation 
of the law, its duty is to prefer charges against the offend- 
ing brother. If the local law does not regulate or pro- 
vide by whom charges are to be preferred (as the local law 
does not in this jurisdiction), then the duty specially de- 
volves upon the N. G., and in the event of his absence or 
inability, then the V. G. should perform the duty, or any 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 117 

member of the lodge having knowledge of such violation 
would be authorized to prefer the charges. The penalty 
to be inflicted upon an Odd Fellow, who is a saloon-keeper 
or bartender, contrary to the laws of our Order, and who 
at the time of his conviction continues in such business, 
is expulsion. But, if the offending member has, prior to 
his conviction, in good faith discontinued such business, 
then the penalty is such as may be determined by the trial 
lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1897, p. 186; 1898, pp. 61, 156; 
1899, pp. 98, 209; 1899, Grand Rep. Report, p. 121; 1904, 
pp. 60, 201. 

Sec. 455. One who drives. A member of the Order 
who drives a team and delivers beer to families and saloons 
and collects pay for the same for a wholesale dealer, is not 
a saloon-keeper or bartender and the law as to saloon- 
keepers or bartenders does not apply in such a case.— J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 78, 306. 

Sec. 456. Sells his business. A man at one time owned 
and conducted a saloon. He has sold out although the 
saloon is still conducted in his name. Such a person would 
not be considered a saloon-keeper, provided the sale was 
bona fide, and he has no financial interest in the business. 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 64, 201 

Sec. 457. Wholesale liquor business. A person engaged 
in the wholesale liquor business and as agent for a brewery, 
does not come within the prohibition of Sec. 5, Art. 16 of 
the constitution of Sov. Gr. Lodge as to saloon-keepers and 
bartenders, and is not excluded from membership in the 
Order by reason of his business or occupation. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1899, pp. 91, 208. 

SEAL. 

Sec. 458. Law. Every subordinate lodge shall have a 
suitable seal (a proof impression of which shall be depos- 



118 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

ited with the Grand Secretary) and all its official communi- 
cations shall be sealed therewith. — By-Laws of G. L. of 
Mich. Sec. 6. Art. 2. 

Sec. 459. Use of. The recording secretary alone has a 
right to use the seal of the lodge or to place it on official 
certificates. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 78. 205. 

SESSIONS. 

Sec. 460.' Special. For conferring past official and 
Grand Lodge degrees and giving instructions in the work, 
the Grand Master may call a special session at the request 
of not less than ten Past Grands entitled to receive the 
Past Official and Grand Lodge degrees, and who agree to 
pay the necessary expense of such session, at such time 
and place as he may determine. At such special session 
the Grand Master, the deputy G. M., the Grand Warden, or 
either of them, together with the grand secretary and five 
Past Grands shall constitute a quorum. — Constitution of 
G. L. of Mich. Clause 1, Sec. 1, Art. 4. 

Sec. 461. Time. The Grand Lodge shall hold one regu- 
lar session in each year on the third Tuesday in October, 
which session is held at such place as the preceding Grand 
Lodge shall select. The Grand Lodge may also hold spe- 
cial sessions on the call of the Grand Master. At the regu- 
lar annual session, the subordinate lodges shall have their 
reports, returns and sums due presented. New members 
shall be admitted to their seats and all manner of business 
within the power of the Grand Lodge may be transacted. 
At the special sessions, no business shall be transacted 
except that for which the session has been called, which 
shall be distinctly stated in the notifications to lodges. — 
Constitution of Grand Lodge of Mich. Sec. 1, Art. 4. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 119 



SICKNESS AND INSANITY. 

Sec. 462. Notice given. The law as to giving notice of 
sickness does not apply to an insane brother. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1895, pp. 78, 205. 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

Sec. 463. Business transacted. When the by-laws pro- 
vide for calling special meetings and a special or extra 
meeting is desired, it may be called as provided by the by- 
laws, and at such special meeting such work may be done 
and business transacted as is not prohibited at special 
meetings by the laws of the Order or the by-laws of the 
lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 242. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Sec. 464. Adjournment. A motion to adjourn without 
day is always in order, even before all the orders of the 
evening as laid down in the charge book have been called. 
If the motion prevails, the lodge must then proceed to 
close in form, provided that, in the event that cases of sick 
and distressed members have not been disposed of prior 
to such motion, such cases shall be cons dered before the 
lodge is formally closed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 246, 
318; 1882, p. 148; 1901, p. 161. 

Sec. 465. Assessment. It is not competent or legal 
under the laws of the Order for a subordinate lodge to 
levy an assessment on its members to pay off an indebted- 
ness incurred in holding a picnic, and members of the lodge 
are under no legal obligation to pay such assessment if 
levied. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876 p. 332. 

Sec. 466. Becoming extinct. Should a subordinate 



120 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

lodge fail to hold its meetings for six months, or to make 
its returns, as required by Art. 5, Clause 2 of the constitu- 
tion, for one year, it shall be deemed an extinct lodge and 
its charter shall be forfeited and the G. M. shall promptly 
take the necessary steps to cause the effects of such lodge 
to be returned to the Grand Lodge. — By-Laws of the G. L. r 
Sec. 1, Art. 2. 

Sec. 467. Building and Loan Association. A subordi- 
nate lodge cannot form a Building and Loan Association 
for the purpose of building an Odd Fellows' Hall. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1895, pp. 77, 205. 

Sec. 468. Control of lodge room. A subordinate lodge 
has full control of its lodge room and other property and 
has the power to enact laws to prohibit smoking in the 
lodge at any and all times. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1881, pp. 
127, 160. 

Sec. 469. Entering lodge during reading of minutes. A 

rule of order that no brother shall be permitted to enter 
the lodge during the reading of the minutes is illegal and 
in violation of the decision of the Sov. Gr. Lodge that no 
brother can be kept out of his Grand or subordinate lodge 
while the minutes of the previous meeting are being read, 
if he desires to enter and can work his way in. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1894, p. 160; 1886, p. 96. 

Sec. 470. Granting a charter. A lodge is instituted 
under a dispensation issued by authority of the Executive 
Committee. When the question of granting a charter to 
such lodge is before the Grand Lodge, the granting or with- 
holding of a charter is not a judicial procedure but a legis- 
lative one and the Grand Lodge may grant or withhold, as 
to them seems best. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, p. 168; 1896, 
pp. 79, 80, 81. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 121 

Sec. 471. Opening of lodge. At the opening of the 
lodge, the warden should take up the S. A. P. W. from 
brothers in the ante room as well as the lodge room. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1897, pp. 71, 208; 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 472. Responsible for agent. A lodge which has 
been granted permission to apply to the subordinate 
lodges of the jurisdiction for aid for the widow of a de- 
ceased member, appoints a committee to solicit such aid 
to be sent to the chairman of such committee. By the 
act of the lodge in his appointment, the chairman of the 
committee is the agent of the lodge, and they are respon- 
sible for his acts, and, in case he defaults in the payment 
of the sum received for the widow, the lodge it legally 
bound to make it good to the widow. 

Sec. 473. Use of funds for building. A subordinate 
lodge incorporated under State laws can use its general 
funds for the purpose of building a hall to be used by the 
I. O. O. F.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 242. 

Sec. 474. Wearing robes. The officers of a lodge are 
not allowed to wear the robes used in conferring degrees 
at any time excepting when doing the degree work. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1895, pp. 77, 205. 

Sec. 475. Withdrawal card. A subordinate lodge grant- 
ing a withdrawal card has jurisdiction over the holder of 
such card during its life, or one year from the date of its 
issue, or until deposited in another lodge with a petition 
for membership, or in the hands of the Grand Master with 
an application for a charter for a new lodge. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1889, pp. 58, 142, 62, 63. 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER. 

Sec. 476. Members not liable for dues. Certain mem- 
bers of a subordinate lodge were deprived of the exer- 



122 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

cise of their membership for some fifteen months by the 
illegal action of their lodge in the surrender of its charter, 
the Grand Master in accepting the surrender and after- 
wards, within ten days of surrender, restoring the charter 
to certain members, leaving other members out, and of 
the Grand Lodge in approving the surrender and restora- 
tion of charter. All of these acts were held illegal and re- 
versed by the So v. Gr. Lodge on appeal thereto, and the 
charter was restored to the lodge as it existed previous to 
the surrender of charter. 

LTnder the foregoing conditions, it is held: That the 
brothers deprived of their rights as members are not liable 
for dues during the fifteen months in which they were de- 
prived of the exercise of their membership as herein set 
forth. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, p. 311. 

SUSPENSION. 

Sec. 477. Admission as Ancient Odd Fellow. A brother 
was suspended for non-payment of dues, and, while under 
suspension, was admitted to a sister lodge as an Ancient 
Odd Fellow. What is his status in the Order? 

Decision: No brother can hold membership in more 
than one subordinate lodge at the same time. (Digest 
Sov. Gr. Lodge, Sec. 594.) The brother was a member of 
the lodge that suspended him, though under certain disa- 
bility by reason of suspension for non-payment of dues; 
and, as such, he could not be admitted to membership in 
any other lodge while he so continued a suspended member. 

The lodge that admitted him to membership knew, or 
was bound to know, that their action was illegal as he fur- 
nished no evidence that he was an Ancient Odd Fellow, 
and, in the absence of such evidence, no person can be ad- 
mitted as an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

The brother knew, or was bound to know, that he was 
under suspension for non-payment of dues, and that he 
could not be admitted to membership in any other lodge 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 123 

without being reinstated in his lodge and taking a with- 
drawal card or receiving a dismissal certificate, if, under 
the law, he was entitled to it. 

Therefore, both the lodge and the brother were parties 
to the illegal action of the lodge in his admission and can 
receive no benefit from it. He is not a member of the 
lodge to which he was illegally admitted as an Ancient Odd 
Fellow, but he is a suspended member of the lodge in which 
he formerly held full membership. (Se « Journal Sov. Gr. 
Lodge 1887, p. 10713, Decision No. 13, Grand Sire White.) 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1888, pp. 128 . 129. 

Sec. 478. Dues during a suspension. A brother under 
suspension after charges, trial and conviction, is liable for 
dues during the term of his suspension. At the expira- 
tion of his term of suspension, which must be for a definite 
time, not exceeding one year, the suspended member is re- 
stored to the standing he held before suspension, simply 
by the expiration of his term of suspension. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1896, pp. 70, 215. 

Sec. 479. Duration. A lodge, after a trial and convic- 
tion, voted to suspend the accused. Such a vote is final 
so far as the lodge is concerned and cannot be reconsid- 
ered by the lodge. If the lodge, after voting suspension 
3.S the penalty, did not fix the duration of the suspension 
by vote, they must do so. The suspension must be for a 
definite time, not exceeding one year. See General Laws, 
Clause 6, Sec. 4, Art. 2, last paragraph in clause. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1903, pp. 92, 306. 

Sec. 480. Effect of. A brother suspended is suspended 
from all the rights, privileges and benefits of the Order, 
and is to all intents and purposes out of the Order during 
the time of suspension. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1878, p. 42. 

Sec. 481. For a definite time. All suspensions for cause 



124 THE DEAN DIGEST. . 

other than non-payment of dues must be for a definite 
time not exceeding one year. When the time for which 
the brother was suspended has expired, he is restored to 
his standing in the lodge without an action of the lodge; 
The suspended brother cannot be restored until the time 
has expired, except by action of the Gr. Lodge on appeal 
thereto. General Laws, G. L. of Mich. Clause 6, Sec. 4, 
Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1885, p. 87; 1895, pp. 77, 205; 
1878, p. 42. 

Sec. 482. Indefinite time illegal. Any action of sus- 
pending a brother indefinitely on conviction of an offence 
after charges and trial, is illegal, as all suspensions for an 
offence other than non-payment of dues, must be for a 
definite time not exceeding one year. (See General Laws, 
Clause 6, Sec. 4, Art. 2) and an illegal indefinite suspen- 
sion must be terminated whenever its illegality is discov- 
ered, and the member must be restored to the standing he 
held at the time of his illegal, indefini e suspension. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1900, pp. 73, 74, 149. 

Sec. 483. Non-payment of dues. A two-thirds vote is 
required to suspend a brother who has had one month's 
notice after he was twelve months in arrears, the vote to 
be taken by the usual voting sign, no ball balloting being 
allowed. 

When several brothers are liable to suspension at the 
same time, a separate vote must be taken in each case. 
The only notice required is one month's notice after the 
brother is twelve months in arrears. General Laws G. L. 
of Mich. Clause 1, Sec. 3, Art. 2.— J. G. L. of Mich. 1875, 
pp. 132, 133; 1890, pp. 51, 136; 1894, pp. 56, 148;, 1885, p. 
88; 1889, pp. 60, 142. 

Sec. 483 1-2. Notice of. There is no law of the Order 
requiring notices to be sent to sister lodges of the suspen- 
sion for non-payment of dues, nor is there any necessity of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 125 

such notices as they serve no useful purpose. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1S94, p. 157; 1904, pp. 61, 201. 

Sec. 484. Reconsideration. A brother having been le- 
gally suspended for non-payment of dues, the vote suspend- 
ing such brother cannot be reconsidered at a subsequent 
meeting and by this means restore the brother to his stand- 
ing in the lodge by a mere majority vote, while the law re- 
quires a vote of two-thirds of the members present to re- 
instate. A reconsideration in such a case is void and does 
not restore the brother to his standing in the lodge. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1 87 7, Holmes Appeal, p. 75; 1882, pp. 27, 121. 

Sec. 485. Reinstatement. A brother suspended for 
non-payment of dues can only be reinstated in the man- 
ner provided by law. (Clause 2, Sec. 3, Art. 2, General 
Laws, G. L. of Mich.)— J. G. L. of Mich. 1877, p. no. 

Sec. 486. Restoration after suspension. A brother 
suspended for a definite time after trial and conviction is 
upon the expiration of the time of suspension at once 
restored without action of his lodge to the standing he held 
at the time of suspension. A brother suspended for cause 
after trial and conviction is liable for dues during the time 
of suspension, and is subject to the same laws as to arrear- 
ages for dues and suspension therefor as if he had not 
been suspended. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1887, p. 126. 

Sec. 487. Suspended member not an Ancient Odd Fel- 
low. A member under suspension for non-payment of 
dues is not an Ancient Odd Fellow, and, if admitted to 
membership as such, is not a legal member of the lodge ad- 
mitting. A member under suspension for non-payment 
of dues, who desires to join a lodge under whose jurisdic- 
tion he resides must first procure a withdrawal card or a 
dismissal certificate from his lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1892, p. 134. 



126 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

TELLER AT ELECTION. 

Sec. 488. Candidate may act. A brother in nomina- 
tion for an office may act as a teller at the election at which 
he is a candidate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1902, p. 249. 

TRIALS. 

Sec. 489. Counsel. Both the brothers preferring charges 
and the brother against whom charges are preferred, may 
employ counsel to prosecute or defend in said cause, but 
the counsel in all cases must be a member of the Degree of 
Truth and in good standing. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1866, pp. 
9, 34; 1872, p. 114; 1889, pp. 58, 142. 

Sec. 490. Counsel. Neither a N. G. nor a V. G. can act 
as counsel for the prosecution or defendant in a case of 
charges and trial in his lodge, nor can either of them be ap- 
pointed as a member of a trial committee. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1899, pp. 97, 98 209. 

Sec. 491. Challenging members of committee. A re- 
spondent on trial upon charges in a subordinate lodge has 
no right to peremptory challenge of any member of the 
committee; but he has, under the General Laws, the right, 
to a fair trial, and also has the right to challenge any mem- 
ber of the committee for any just cause which would ren- 
der the member of the committee challenged either a par- 
tial or prejudiced judge in the case, or which would render 
him incompetent to serve as a juror against such party. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1869, p. 261. 

Sec. 492. Excluding members. In the trial, of a brother 
the trial Committee cannot exclude from the room members 
in good standing. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 58, 142. 

Sec. 493. Member of Trial Committee. The right of a 



GRAND LODGE L O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 127 

brother who is a member of a trial committee to vote on 
the final disposition of the report or recommendation of 
the committee is not affected by his being a member of 
the committee. If not otherwise disqualified he has a right 
to vote. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1884, p. in. 

Sec. 494. Not in public. At the trial of an accused 
brother before a trial committee, no person has a right to 
be present, excepting the parties interested and their 
counsel. Ante, See sec. 492. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1866, pp. 
9, 34- 

Sec. 495. Preferring charges. Brothers preferring 
charges have the right to vote on the final disposition of 
the case, such brothers being otherwise qualified. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1S76, pp. 246, 318. 

Sec. 496. Sentence. When, after trial and conviction, 
the judgment of the trial committee or the lodge is that 
the brother be reprimanded, such reprimand must be ad- 
ministered in open odge — J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 54, 
148 

Sec. 497. Taking evidence. There may be cases in 
which it would be proper for a trial committee to go to the 
residence of a witness to get his or her testimony. Before 
this can be done, it must be shown to the satisfaction of 
the committee in regular session (all parties being notified 
of the time and place of meeting of the committee) that it 
is impossible to bring the witness to the place of meeting 
of the committee. If the evidence is introduced by the 
prosecution, the defendant must be notified of the time 
and place of taking such evidence, so that he may be pres- 
ent and cross-examine the witness either in person or by 
counsel. No evidence taken without notice to defendant 
of time and place of taking such evidence, can be received 
by the committee. If evidence is introduced by the de- 



128 ■ ■ THE DEAN DIGEST. 

fendant, the prosecution must have the same notice and 
right to cross-examine the witness. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, 
247, 318. 

Sec. 498. Trial committee. The members of a trial 
committee must be members of the lodge in which the 
trial is being held. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1893, pp. 58, 128. 

Sec. 499. Witness refusing to answer questions. A 

brother a witness before a trial committee refusing to an- 
swer all proper questions pertaining to the case, on the 
request of the committee, is guilty of contempt and is liable 
to charges in his lodge, and, on conviction, to such penalty 
as the lodge may impose. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 246, 
318. 

TRUSTEES. 

Sec. 500. Not officers of the lodge. An officer of the 
lodge, elective or appointive, is eligible to election as a 
trustee. A trustee is not an officer of the lodge. The 
elective and appointive officers are named in Clauses 1 and 
2, Sec. 1, Art. 3 of the General Laws and do not include 
trustees. Trustees are not officers in the meaning of the 
law, and an officer of the lodge who. is a trustee does not 
hold two offices. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1903, pp. 86, 306; 1905, 
pp. 52, 53, 277. 

VISITING. 

Sec. 501. Admission of members of other Orders. A 

lodge of the I. O. 0. F. cannot admit a member of the 
Manchester Unity by card. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1896, pp. 69, 
215- 

Sec. 502. Of a brother in arrears. 8 A brother in arrears 
for dues to an amount that disqualifies him from receiving 
the term pass word is entitled to visit his own lodge until 
suspended. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1891, p. 139. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 129 



VOTING. 

Sec. 503. Ballot. In announcing a ballot by which a 
candidate is rejected, neither the N. G. nor the V. G. is 
allowed to give the number of black balls in the box. The 
V. G. should announce, in case of a rejection, that the bal- 
lot is unfavorable. If the N. G. also so finds, he will state 
that the ballot is unfavorable and declare the candidate 
rejected. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1889, pp. 60, 142. 

Sec. 504. Ballot. After the result of a ballot is an- 
nounced and the candidate declared elected or rejected, 
it is too late to raise an objection that part of the brothers 
were not legal voters under the by-laws (being more than 
thirteen weeks in arrears for dues). Such objection 
should have been raised when the votes were offered or 
previous to the examination of the ballot, at which time 
the N. G. should have excluded the votes or ordered a new 
ballot. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1876, pp. 248, 318 

Sec. 505. Deciding result. The N. G. must supervise 
all ballots and declare the result. The V. G., if the by- 
laws of the lodge so provide, may assist in the examina- 
tion of the ballot and make known the result of his exami- 
nation by stating that the ballot "is unfavorable" or "is 
favorable." . The N. G. alone in a lodge has prerogative 
of deciding the result of a ballot. — J. G. L. o Mich. 1894, 
p. 160. 

Sec. 506. Declaring the result. On request of the N. 
G., the warden may announce to him the number WL votes 
for or against a resolution or motion. The N. G. alone 
can decide and declare to the lodge the result of a vote. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1894, pp. 56, 148; 1876, pp. 244, 318; 1878, 
p. 137; 1897, pp. 71, 209; 1898, p. 141. 

Sec. 507. On financial questions of personal interest. 
9 



130 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

A member of a lodge has no right to vote upon any ques- 
tion in which he is interested or in which he may intend to 
become interested by reason of his connection or intended 
connection with any lodge or encampment of this Order, 
then existing or about to exist, or with any other organi- 
zation. 

The law, as above stated, was modified in 1885 by the 
Sov. Gr. Lodge (see Journal p. 10094) by the adoption of 
the following reso'ution: No member of a lodge or en- 
campment shall vote upon any question relating to fiscal 
concerns of his lodge, in the result of which he has a direct 
personal interest ; but he may vote upon all questions con- 
cerning the leasing or renting of a hall or other property of 
his lodge or encampment to any lodge, encampment, 
Rebekah lodge or Canton of the Order. 

This enactment so far modifies the law herein first stated 
as to permit members of a lodge who are also members of 
any of the organizations within the Order, above men- 
tioned, to vote upon the question of renting a hall or other 
property to such other organization. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1889, pp. 60, 142, 143; 1891, pp. 160, 161. 

Sec. 508, On night of initiation. On the night of a 
brother's initiation, the initiation having been fully com- 
pleted and the constitution signed, the brother is a member 
and is entitled to vote on election of officers or other busi- 
ness, unless the by-laws of the lodge otherwise provide. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1874, p. 68. 

Sec. 509. On the night of receiving the Degree of Truth* 

A member has a right to vote on the night he receives the 
Degree of Truth, the conferring of such degree being fully 
completed. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1904, pp. 62. 201. 

Sec. 510. On reinstatement. The vote on the rein- 
statement of a brother under suspension for non-payment 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 131 

of dues, is by the usual voting sign (ball balloting not 
being allowed). — J. G. L. of Mich. 1S74, p. 69. 

Sec. 511. Reason for ballot. No member can be com- 
pelled to give a reason for any ballot which he may cast, 
nor has any brother any right to state how he voted, and 
it is an offense to do so. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1895, PP- 7$, 
205. 



SUPPLEMENTAL DIGEST, 

SESSION OF 1905. 



SUPPLEMENTAL DIGEST, 

SESSION 1905. 



ANCIENT ODD FELLOW. 

Sec. 512. Defined. An Ancient Odd Fellow is 

1 . An Odd Fellow who being in good standing in his 
lodge, severs his membership by taking a withdrawal 
card. At the expiration of which card, one year 
from date of issue, the holder becomes an Ancient 
Odd Fellow. 

2. A member who being in good standing in his 
lodge, dues paid to date, resigns his membership by 
written resignation, in which case the brother at once 
becomes an Ancient Odd Fellow. 

3. The holder of a Grand Lodge card, which card 
acting as an expired withdrawal card, will enable the 
holder to join a lodge as an Ancient Odd Fellow. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 55, 280. 

ASSESSMENTS. 

Sec. 513. Assessments apply to all members except. 

Assessments legally made upon the membership of a lodge 
under the provisions of the by-laws of the lodge or the 
General Laws of the jurisdiction apply to the non-bene- 
ficial class as well as the beneficial, unless the by-laws other- 
wise provide — T G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 50, 279. 



136 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

BALLOT. 

Sec. 514. Carrying ballot-box. In balloting for the 
initiatory and other degrees, it is permissible for the bal- 
lot-box to be carried to the chairs of the Noble Grand and 
Vice Grand only. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 51, 277. 

Sec. 515. Examination thereof. The Right and Left 
Supporters of the Noble Grand, if the by-laws so provide, 
may assist in the examination of the ballot and announce 
to the N. G. that the ballot is favorable or unfavorable as 
the case may be. The Noble Grand alone has the pre- 
rogative of deciding the result of the ballot. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1905, pp. 51, 277. 

BENEFITS. 

Sec. 516. Effect of application to Home. An applica- 
tion for admission to Odd Fellow's Home does not affect 
a brother's right to benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 
61, 277. 

Sec. 517. Request for withdrawal card not received. 

We received a statement July 28 that we had been written 
to by East Tacoma Lodge No. 89, Tacoma, Wash., under 
the date of June 16, regarding a withdrawal card for one 
of our members, who^had been elected to membership in 
that lodge. We received no communication of June 16. 
We wrote to the brother to send along dues and the price 
of a card. August. 23 we received word that the brother 
was s'ck and a request that we pay his benefits. 

Question: 1. Is the brother a member of our 
lodge or of East Tacoma lodge? 

2. Which lodge pays his benefits? 

3. If our lodge has to pay him benefits, can we 
deduct his dues and price of card out of first week's 
benefits and send card to East Tacoma lodge? 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 137 

Held: i. The brother is at the present time a 
member of your lodge. 

i. Your lodge is liable for sick benefits up to the 
time the withdrawal card is granted, provided the 
brother is entitled to them according to the terms of 
your by-laws. 

3. A statement that you had been written regard- 
ing a withdrawal card cannot be considered as a re- 
quest for such a card, and upon such statement alone 
you have no right to issue such card. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1905, pp. 62, 277. 

Sec. 518. To whom paid? A brother at the time of 
his death was entitled to one week's sick benefits. He 
left no widow and his children have grown to maturity. 

Decision: Pay the benefits to his heirs at law, unless 
otherwise provided in your by-laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 281, 2S3. 

Sec. 519. Waiving a right to. Any agreement of an 
applicant for membership in his petition or otherwise 
waiving benefits, in any case is illegal and void and there- 
fore does not relieve the lodge from payment of benefits. 
Nor is a brother signing any such agreement guilty of any 
offence in claiming benefits. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 
61, 277. 

BY-LAWS OR AMENDMENTS. 

Sec. 520. Take effect when. By-laws or amendments 
to by-laws take effect, that is, become operative, when ap- 
proved by the committee on by-laws, or by the Grand 
Lodge on appeal thereto from the action of the Committee 
on By-Laws. (See Sec. 2, Art. 6, General Laws G. L. of 
Mich.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 50, 277. 

CERTIFICATE. 

Sec. 521. Signed by. The certificate of the represen- 
tative or representatives to the Grand Lodge should be 



138 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

signed by the Noble Grand who was in the chair at the 
time of the election. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 282, 283. 

CHARGES. 

Sec. 522. Method of preferring. A member desires to 
prefer charges against a member of another lodge. The 
charges having been prepared as required by the law should 
first be presented to the lodge of the brother preferring 
them Said lodge shall forthwith forward to the lodge of 
which the accused is a member a certified copy of the 
charge, over the signature of the N. G. and secretary, 
attested by the seal of the lodge. The lodge to which 
charge shall be sent shall proceed to hear and determine 
the same in like manner as if preferred by a member of its 
own body. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 60, 277. 

Sec. 523. Noble Grand not removed from office. Charges 
of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow were preferred 
against a N. G., which charges after due trial were sus- 
tained and a reprimand administered as punishment. The 
N. G. is not removed from his office by such proceedings, 
and is entitled to retain his office for the remainder of the 
term, so far as the proceedings above set forth are con- 
cerned. — -J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp: 58, 277. 

Sec. 524. Withdrawn and again preferred. Charges 
preferred, and, on account of informality afterwards with- 
drawn, do not bar the preferring of charges in proper 
form for the offence alleged in the former charges which 
were improper in form. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 58, 
277. 

CRIMINAL OFFENCE. 

Sec. 525. Preferring charges. A brother is arrested for 
highway robbery. Pending trial in the civil courts, must 
charges be preferred in the lodge? No, not necessarily, 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 139 

as every man is presumed to be innocent until proven 
guilty. 

Charges, however, may be preferred at any time and, 
when preferred, must be disposed of as our laws require. 
But in the event of the brother's conviction in the civil 
courts, and his sentence and imprisonment in State's 
Prison or a prison of equal grade, charges must be pre- 
ferred against him in the lodge of which he is a member, 
and upon the fact of conviction and imprisonment being 
established and the member fully identified, he must be 
expelled. 

In case charges were preferred in the lodge previous to 
conviction in the civil courts, and the brother was ex- 
pelled upon such charge, after trial and conviction, his 
acquittal thereafter in the civil courts would not set aside 
or affect the action of the lodge in his conviction and ex- 
pulsion. The brother's recourse under our laws would 
be an appeal to the Grand Lodge or petition for readmis- 
sion. An acquittal in the civil courts is not sufficient 
reason to reverse the finding and judgment of the lodge. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 58, 280; pp. 60, 277. 

DEGREES. 

Sec. 526. Amount to be paid. A brother was initiated 
under an illegal action by which they proposed to initiate 
and confer the three degrees of a subordinate lodge for 
$7.00. The brother paid S5.00 for initiation. In so do- 
ing he simply paid for what he got. The action of the 
lodge in proposing to confer the remaining three degrees 
was illegal and void, and if the brother desires to receive 
the remaining degrees or any of them, he must pay the 
amount fixed by the by-laws for such degrees, which can 
not be less than $3.00 for each degree. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 54, 277. 

Sec. 527. Note not payment. A lodge cannot legally 



140 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

ballot for a degree or degrees and confer the same on the 
brother giving his note for the cost thereof. The note is 
not payment for the degrees as required by Clause i, Sec. 
2, Art. 5 of the General Laws. It is simply a form of in- 
debtedness, and accepting it would be a violation of law. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 56, 277. 

Sec. 528. Regalia. A brother entering a lodge room 
to receive a degree does not wear regalia. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1905, pp. 45, 277. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

Sec. 529. Nomination declined. A brother nominated 
for an office declines the nomination both on the night of. 
nomination and that of election. Such brother is not a 
candidate in regular nomination at the time of election, 
and all ballots cast for such brother are invalid and must 
be excluded from the count and the election delcared on 
the valid votes cast. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 49, 277. 

Sec. 530. Time. If for any reason the election of the 
officers of the lodge does not take place at the time 
directed by law, the first regular meeting in June and 
December, such election may take place at the next regu- 
lar meeting of the lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 46, 
278. 

Sec. 531. When but one candidate. In cases where 
there is but one candidate in nomination for an office, the 
proper mode of election is on motion and vote in the usual 
manner of voting. (See Clause 4, Sec. 3, Art. 3 of the 
General Laws.) A motion to suspend the rule and to in- 
struct some brother to cast the vote of the lodge is im- 
proper because there is no rule to suspend. The above 
cited General Law provides the mode. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 47, 277. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 141 

FUNDS. 

Sec. 532. Purchase of piano. The general fund of a 
lodge mav legally be appropriated for the purchase of a 
piano for use in the lodge room. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
pp. 47. -^77 

Sec. 533. Room in hospital. A lodge has a right to 
appropriate its funds for the furnishing of a room in a hos- 
pital, if connected with the purposes of the I. O. O. F. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1995, pp. 48, 277. 

HALL. 

Sec. 534. Building hall or addition thereto. A subor- 
dinate lodge does not require permission from the Grand 
Lodge to build a hall or addition to a hall. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 277. 

INCORPORATION. 

Sec. 535. Consent of all members not necessary. Arti- 
cles of association may be adopted by the ma ority vote of 
the members present, in good standing. It is not neces- 
sary to have the consent of all the members of the lodge 
to incorporate the same. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 
277. Ante. See Section 219. 

INSTALLATION. 

Sec. 536. Installing officer. In the absence of the 
Grand Master or his deputy or a Past Grand duly depu- 
tized by either of said officers, it being the regular night 
for installation, the reports of the lodge to the Grand Lodge 
having been made and the dues ordered paid, any Past 
Grand may install the officers, preference to be given to 
seniority and rank. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 51, 277. 



142 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

INSURANCE ASSOCIATION. 

Sec. 537. No insurance association, however consti- 
tuted, can use the term "Odd Fellows," or "I. O. O. F.," 
as part of its name or title, or the emblem of the Order in 
such name without a violation of the laws of the Order. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 64, 277. 

JURISDICTION. 

Sec. 538. Must be waived by all having. Where lodges 
in a city or village have concurrent jurisdiction all must 
waive before a lodge outside of the jurisdiction of such 
lodges can legally entertain an application for membership 
by initiation or card from a resident within the territorial 
jurisdiction of such lodges, and the action of one lodge hav- 
ing jurisdiction is not binding upon other lodges having 
concurrent jurisdiction nor does it have any legal effect 
upon their action. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 277. 

LAWS. 

Sec. 539. No action of subordinate Grand lodges re- 
quired. The Sov. Grand Lodge by its constitution, Sec. 
8, Art. 1, provides "To it (the Sov. Grand Lodge) belongs 
the power to enact all laws of general application to the 
Order," and all such laws go into effect, unless otherwise 
ordered by the Sov. Grand Lodge, on the 1st day of Janu- 
ary following their adoption; and without action on the 
part of subordinate Grand Lodges. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 66, 277. 

Sec. 540. No conflict. There is no conflict between 
Clauses 7 and 8 of Sec. 1 of Art. 2 of the General Laws. 
Clause 7 provides for the admission to benefit membership 
of Ancient Odd Fellows or the holders of dismissal cer- 
tificates. Clause 8 provides as to the admission of a cer- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 143 

tain class of non-affiliated Odd Fellows as non-beneficial 
members. Clause 3, Sec. 3, Art. 2 provides that certain 
members tinder suspension for non-payment of dues may 
be reinstated as non-beneficial members. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 56, 250. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 540 1-2. Age qualification for. Applicants must 
be twenty-one years of age, and no Grand or subordinate 
lodge can add any qualification by by-law or otherwise 
excluding persons over a certain age. (See Clause 1, 
Sec. 1, Art. 1 of the General Laws of this jurisdiction. 
Busbee's Digest Sec. 708, 873. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
PP- 5 6 > 2 77- 

Sec. 541. Agreement as to benefit void. An applicant 
for membership has been affected by insanity, though not 
for several years. He is willing to sign a contract ex- 
empting the lodge from the payment of benefits to him on 
account of disability arising from future attacks of in- 
sanity. 

Question: Would such a contract release the lodge 
from the obligation to pay benefits? 

Held: The contract would be void. A lodge has no 
right to initiate a candidate on such terms, and if initiated 
without fault on his part, he is entitled to the same care, 
kindness and benefits when sick as other members. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 61, 277; 61, 62, 277. 

Sec. 542. Application for. An applicant for member- 
ship by initiation made application to a lodge outside of 
the jurisdiction where he resides. No waiver of jurisdic- 
tion accompanied his application. The application was 
received and acted upon and upon ballot the applicant was 
rejected. 

Held. That in case the applicant was ignorant of the 



144 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

illegality in the action of the lodge which received and acted 
upon his application, he may at any time apply for mem- 
bership to a lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides, and such 
lodge has a right to receive and act upon his application, 
the former application to and action of the lodge having 
no jurisdiction over the applicant, being void. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1905, pp. 54, 277. 

Sec. 543. Benefit membership. A brother holding a 
withdrawal card rating him as a former non-benefit mem- 
ber, desiring to become a benefit member, may make ap- 
plication to a lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides for 
benefit membership, which application, if the withdrawal 
card is in date, must be disposed of as provided in Clause 

5, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General Laws. If the withdrawal 
card has expired, then it must be disposed of as the ap- 
plication of an Ancient Odd Fellow under the provision of 
Clause 7, Sec. 1, Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 277. 

Sec. 544. Former record lost. An applicant for mem- 
bership claims that he was initiated some twenty-five 
years ago; that he took one degree; was suspended for 
non-payment of due; that his lodge in a fire lost all their 
records ; and that they now know nothing of him. 

Question: What must he do to become a member of 
our lodge? 

Answer: In the absence of any proof that he was ever 
an Odd Fellow, the candidate should make application for 
admission by initiation. Search should however be 
made in the Grand Lodge files for report of the term when 
he was initiated; and the brother should state in his peti- 
tion that he has not been suspended or expelled from any 
lodge of this Order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 55, 279. 

Sec. 545. Held in but one lodge. When an applicant 
is elected to membership under the provisions of Clause 

6, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General Laws, or under the provi- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 145 

sions of the law of the Sov. Grand Lodge of 1904 (opera- 
tive January, 1905) as to change of membership upon 
change of residence, the applicant elected does not become 
a member of the lodge electing until his withdrawal card is 
presented to the lodge electing and the brother has signed 
the constitution. Between the time when his lodge 
granted and issued the withdrawal card on proper request 
and the time when such withdrawal card was presented 
to the lodge electing and the brother signed the constitu- 
tion, such brother was not a member of any lodge. — J. G. 
L. of Mich. 1905., pp. 67, 280. 

Sec. 546. Not under law of 1904. An application for 
membership by card made previous to January 1, 1905, 
does not come under law as to change of membership on 
change of residence. The law was not in force prior to 
January 1, 1905, and such application would come under 
the provisions of Clause 5, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General 
Laws and the provisions of the by-laws of the lodge as to 
membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 67, 277. 

Sec. 547. On dismissal certificate. The holder of a 
dismissal certificate, desiring to be admitted to member- 
ship in a lodge should present a petition accompanied by 
his dismissal certificate and the fee provided 'by the by- 
laws of the lodge, which shall not be less than $3.00, and 
the lodge shall act on the petition according to Clause 5, 
Sec. 1, Art. 2. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 282, 283. 

MEMBERSHIP UNDER LAW OF 1904. 

Sec. 548. The law of 1904. A member of the Order en- 
titled to a withdrawal card, changing his residence from 
the vicinity of his own lodge to the vicinity of another, 
and desiring to unite with a lodge at his new place of resi- 
dence, upon so stating in his application for membership 

and being elected by ball ballot as provided by local law, 
10 



146 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

shall be entitled, upon notice being sent to his old lodge by 
the new lodge, to receive a withdrawal card at the actual 
cost of the card to the lodge, and to admission to his new 
lodge without being required to pay a card or admission 
fee ; but when a physician's certificate is required he must 
pay the expense of the same. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, p. 
154, Gr. Rep. Report. 

Sec. 549. The law set forth in the foregoing section be- 
came operative January 1, 1905, and is a general law appli- 
cable to all subordinate lodges, whether working under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Sov. Grand Lodge or under 
the jurisdiction of a State, district or territorial Grand 
Lodge. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 277. 

Sec. 550. Admissions under new law. In admitting a 
brother to membership in a lodge on a change of residence, 
who set forth in his application that he desires to unite 
with said lodge by reason of such change of residence, the 
lodge is to be governed by the law of 1904 set forth in Sec. 
546 of this digest. 

As to other applications for membership by visiting card 
or official certificate not based upon a change of residence, 
the lodge is to be governed by the provisions of Clause 6, 
Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General Laws, and as to adimssion fee 
by the provisions of their by-laws. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
pp. 66, 277. 

Sec. 551. Change of membership under law of 1904. If 

a brother was elected to membership in a lodge under the 
law of 1904, viz., the law providing for transfer of mem- 
bership by reason of change of residence; and if all the 
terms of the law were strictly complied with by the brother 
and the lodge to which application was made, the old lodge 
must furnish the brother with a withdrawal card at the 
actual cost of the card to the lodge furnishing the same. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 66, 277. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. R OF MICHIGAN. 147 

Sec. 552. Concurrent jurisdiction. A member residing 
in a city where there are several lodges having concurrent 
jurisdiction can not change his membership under the law 
of 1904, set forth in Sec. 546 of this Digest, unless such 
member has changed his residence to the vicinity of the 
lodge which he desires to join. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 
67, 277. 

Sec. 553. Does not apply to Rebekah lodges. The law 

of 1904 as to change of membership on change of residence 
does not apply to Rebekah lodges. — J. G. L. of Mich, 1905, 
pp. 66, 67, 277. 

Sec. 554. Information required. An application being 
made for transfer of membership by reason of a change of 
residence, and the law requiring a statement to that effect, 
the necessary information will require the name and num- 
ber of the lodge to which the applicant belongs. 

No blank petitions having been provided for this kind of 
application, the required statement may be made on the 
regular blank. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 69, 277. 

Sec. 555. Making application. Under the transfer law of 

1904, when an applicant under said law is elected, does the 
brother or the lodge that has accepted him to become a 
member, make application to the former lodge for a with- 
drawal card? 

Decision: The application should be made by the 
brother, but the new lodge should give notice to the old 
lodge of the application for membership. — J. G. L. of Mich. 

1905, p. 168, Gr. Rep. Report, Act 116. 

Sec. 556. Qualifications. Under the law of 1904 pro- 
viding for transfer of membership on change of residence. 
1. An applicant must be a member of the Order 
entitled to a withdrawal card, or the holder of a with- 
drawal card in full force. 



148 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

2. He must change or have changed his residence 
from the vicinity of his own lodge to the vicinity of 
another. 

3. He must state in his application his desire to 
unite with the lodge on account of his change of resi- 
dence. 

4. If elected by ball ballot as provided by local law, 
his lodge being notified of his election by the secretary 
of the lodge electing, he is entitled to a withdrawal 
card on application therefor by the brother at the act- 
ual cost of the card to the lodge. 

5. On presentation of a withdrawal card in full 
force, he is entitled to admission to the new lodge 
without the payment of a card or admission fee. 

6. If a physician's certificate is required by the 
new lodge, he must pay the expense of the same. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 68, 277. 

Sec. 557. The holder of a withdrawal card. The hold- 
ing of a withdrawal card in full force by a brother is of the 
same effect as though he were "entitled" to one under 
the provisions of the resolution of 1904. 

A brother cannot be admitted under the resolution of 

1904, however, on an official certificate or a visiting card. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, p. 158, Gr. Rep. Report. See 
Decision 78. 

Note. — In the light of this decision of the Grand Sire, 
approved by the Sov. Grand Lodge, decision No. 114 of 
Grand Master, J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 68, and its 
approval by the Grand Lodge of Michigan was error. 
See also report of Grand Master under the heading "The 
New Law in regard to transfer o^ Membership." Journal, 

1905, p. 80. — Compiler. 

MEETINGS. 

Sec. 558. Opening of lodge. In the absence of the N. 
G. and V. G. the lodge is opened by a Past Grand. If 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 149 

later the V. G. enters the lodge, he ■ hould at once take 
the chair of the N. G. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 53, 277. 

NOBLE GRAND. 

Sec. 559. Entitled to nominate. When under the pro- 
visions of the by-laws of a lodge the Noble Grand is en- 
titled to vote as a lay member on the election of officers, 
he is entitled to nominate officers from his chair, or he 
may temporarily vacate for such purpose. — J. G. L. of 
Mich. 1905, pp. 52, 283. 

Sec. 560. A Noble Grand is not suspended from the 
performance of the duties of his office during the pendency 
of charges against him, except so far as those duties may 
have relation to the charges, such as the appointment of 
the whole or a part of the trial committee or any action 
upon the report. In such case the Noble Grand should 
vacate his chair at the time for appointing the trial com- 
mittee, which chair will be filled by the proper officer who 
will make the appointment of the trial committee, or such 
part of it as the by-laws may direct. — J. G. L. of Mich. 
1905, pp. 59, 277; also see Sec. 93, Digest. 

NON-AFFILIATED ODD FELLOWS. 

Sec. 561. Defined. A non-affiliated Odd Fellow is an 
Odd Fellow who is not affiliated with any lodge. He may 
hold a regular withdrawal card expired or in date, a Grand 
Lodge certificate, a certificate of resignation, or a dismissal 
certificate. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 55, 280. 

NON-BENEFIT MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 562. General Law. Clause 8, Sec. 2, Art. 2 of the 
General Laws provides for non-benefit membership and 
who may be admitted to such membership, while Clause 



150 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

3, Sec. 3, Art. 2 provides who may be reinstated as such 
non-benefit members. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 56, 280. 

OFFICERS. 

Sec. 563. Eligible to Vice Grand. A brother serving a 
term in an elective or appointive office is eligible to the 
chair of V. G. The service must be in one term, that is, 
the brother must have been present a majority of the 
nights of the term, and must have held* the office until the 
end of the term, when such brother is entitled to the hon- 
ors of the term and is eligible to the office of V. G. 
No twenty-six nights' service is required by present laws. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 50, 277. 

Sec. 564. Filling vacancy in office of Right Supporter. 

The Right Supporter of the N. G. was nominated and 
elected to fill a vacancy in the office of secretary, the 
brother's acceptance of the office of secretary and his in- 
stallation into said office created a vacancy in the office of 
Right Supporter to the N. G., which office the N. G. should 
at once fill by the appointment of a qualified brother. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 52, 277. 

Sec. 565. Junior Past Grand. The junior or sitting 
Past Grand (so called) is not an officer of the lodge, and the 
retiring Noble Grand is eligible to election to any office in 
the lodge. (It will be understood that a representative 
to the Grand Lodge is not an officer of the subordinate 
lodge.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 53, 277. 

PASS WORD. 

Sec. 566. Use of pass word. A brother pays his dues 
to the 1st of July and receives the term or semi-annual pass 
word. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 151 

Question: Has he a right to use such pass word after 
he is three (3) months in arrears to visit another lodge? 

Answer: He has not the right. By General Laws a 
member when in arrears may visit his own lodge until 
dropped, suspended or expelled. A bro her who paid his 
dues to July 1st was more than thirteen weeks in arrears 
after the 1st day of October, if he made no further pay- 
ment. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 55, 277. 

Note. — The decision set forth in the above section may 
be strictly correct. Yet it seems to me that the law set 
forth in the section of Busbees Digest section 15 15 does 
not go beyond providing "That a brother who is over 13 
weeks in arrears is not entitled to the semi-annual or term 
pass word or to vote in the lodge". The decision that a 
brother has not the right to use the word which he- re- 
ceived legally to visit a sister lodge after he becomes 13 
weeks or more in arrears in his lodge, may be warranted 
by the law set forth in section 15 15 Busbee's Digest. But 
I do not understand how it is to be enforced under 
present conditions. The brother under the question be- 
came legally in possession of the term pass word, how is he 
to be estopped from using it to gain admission to a lodge 
other than his own as a visitor. The lodge which the 
brother desires to visit has no means of knowing whether 
the brother is more or less than 13 weeks in arrears, 
being in possession of the proper term pass word, and 
being otherwise qualified the lodge is bound to admit the 
brother as a visitor, nor does it seem that in using the 
term pass word which he received legally, to visit a lodge, 
he has committed any offense under the law. And it 
would seem that if the Grand Lodge desires to make this 
decision effective, that it can only be done by providing 
for a quarterly instead of a semi-annual or term pass 
word. — Compiler. 



152 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

READMISSION. 

Sec. 567. After four years. A brother took a with- 
drawal card from our lodge in 1891 and in 1895 he was re- 
instated by a vote of the lodge, the records fail to show 
whether he was reinstated as a benefit or non-benefit 
member. 

Question: Is he entitled to benefits? 

Held: The records being silent as to whether he was 
admitted as a benefit or non-benefit member, the brother 
must have the benefit of the doubt and if in good standing 
and otherwise qualified, is entitled to benefits. — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1905, pp. 61, 277. 

REBEKAH LODGE MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 568. Dependent on good standing in subordinate 
lodge. 

Section 10 of the Rebekah Degree Code provides that in 
the case of brothers, membership in a Rebekah lodge is 
dependent on good standing in a subordinate lodge, except 
where a brother takes a withdrawal card from his subordi- 
nate lodge, in which case the membership of the brother 
in the Rebekah lodge is not affected for one year from the 
date of taking the card. Section 10 A of the said Code 
further provides that it is the duty of the recording secre- 
tary of each Rebekah lodge to furnish the recording sec- 
retary of each subordinate lodge to which any member of 
such Rebekah lodge belongs, with a list of the members of 
said subordinate lodge who are also members of said Re- 
bekah lodge and thereafter to notify the recording secre- 
tary of the proper subordinate lodge when any brother 
shall become a member of said Rebekah lodge. The re- 
cording secretary of each subordinate lodge thus notified 
is required to inform the recording secretary of said Re- 
bekah lodge without delay of the withdrawal by card, 
dropping, suspension, or reinstatement of any such mem- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 153 

ber. (See Rebekah Degree Code J. G. L. of 1900, p. 
in.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 50, 57, 277. 

Note. — There is an error in Sec. 10 A as printed in Bus- 
bee's Digest p. 695. The word "Rebekah" in the fifth 
and sixth lines of said Sec. 10 A should be "subordinate." 
— Compiler. 

REGALIA. 

Sec. 569. It is not allowable to use. Regalia of the 
Order, or the paraphernalia used in the secret work, can- 
not be used in public on the stage in the performance of a 
drama, and they cannot be loaned for such purpose. — J. 
G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 52, 277. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

Sec. 570. Suspended for non-payment of dues. A two- 
thirds vote of the members present and qualified to vote 
is necessary to reinstate a member under suspension for 
non-payment of dues. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 55, 277. 

Note. — The above decision is not in harmony with the 
provisions of the General Laws, Clause 2, Sec. 3, Art. 2, 
to wit, "any member under suspension for non-payment of 
dues applying for reinstatement, may be reinstated by a 
two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any 
regular meeting. If the language of the General Laws here 
quoted was simply a decision of the Grand Lodge, the de- 
cision in 1905 above set forth, being the last expression 
of the judicial will might be held to operate as a repeal by 
implication of the former. But the language quoted, 
"two-thirds of the members present and voting," is the 
General Law, a legislative enactment and can only be 
changed by a legislative enactment and as provided in 
Clause 2, Art. 6 of the General Law. The above decision 
of 1905 is therefore clearly error and of no force or effect. — 
Compiler. 



154 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



SALOON-KEEPER. 



Sec. 571. Charges preferred. When charges are prop- 
erly preferred against a brother, the specification on which 
the charge is based alleging that the brother named has in 
violation of the laws of the Order engaged in the business 
of a saloon-keeper; if, after a fair trial, the allegation is 
sustained, and the brother still continues in the business of 
a saloon-keeper, he must be expelled. It is the duty of the 
trial committee under the General Laws of this jurisdic- 
tion to recommend such penalty and submit a resloution 
to carry it into effect. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 59, 280. 

Sec. 572. How punished. 

Questions: 1. How can a lodge legally proceed to 
punish a brother engaged in the saloon business? 

2. What is the penalty? 

3 . Who should make complaint ? 
Answer: 1. Prefer charges. 
Answer: 2. Expulsion. 

Answer : 3 . Under the decision of the Sov. Grand 
Lodge, it is the duty of the Noble Grand, or in his 
absence or inability, the Vice Grand should do so, 
though any member of the lodge having knowledge of 
such violation of law would be authorized to prefer 
charges. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 59, 280. 

Sec. 573. A member while under suspension, engaged 
in the saloon business, as the keeper of a saloon. He is 

not eligible to reinstatement while he continues in such 
business in either of its prohibited forms, (saloon-keeper or 
bartender). See Clause 2, Sec. 3, Art. 2, General Laws. — 
J. G. L. o Mich. 1905, pp. 56, 277. 

SOLICITING AID. 

Sec. 574. Authority required. The permission granted 
by the Sov. Grand Lodge to Washington Lodge No. 1 of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 155 

Maryland to solicit aid to build a memorial building is 
not sufficient authority to authorize the circulation of such 
application in this jurisdiction, or to authorize subordinate 
lodges in this jurisdiction to entertain such application. 
Before subordinate lodges may entertain such application, 
it must be recommended by the Grand Master under Seal of 
the Grand Lodge of Michigan. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
PP- 5*> 277. 

SPECIAL SESSIONS OF GRAND LODGE. 

Sec. 575. Presence required. No special session of the 
Grand Lodge under the provisions of Clause 1, Sec. 1, Art. 
4 of the constitution of this Grand Lodge can be legally 
held in the absence of the Grand Secretary, and either the 
Grand Master, deputy Grand Master or Grand Warden 
must also be present. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, p. 247. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Sec. 576. Change of meeting. Subordinate lodges are 
empowered to change their night of meeting by amendment 
of their by-laws and notification to the Grand Secretary of 
such change. Such an amendment does not need to be 
approved by the Committee on By-Laws before it becomes 
operative. (See By-Laws of G. L. of Mich Sec. 11, Art. 2.) 
—J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 45, 277. 

Sec. 577. May dispose of real estate. Subordinate 
lodges may in their discretion dispose of real estate be- 
longing to the lodge, without permission of the Grand 
Lodge or Grand Master. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 65, 
277. 

Sec. 578. Meeting. The regular meeting of a lodge 
cannot be dispensed with on account of a reception held 
in the lodge room on the night of the regular meeting of 
the lodge. — J. G. L. o c Mich. 1905, pp. 47, 277. 



156 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Sec. 579. Raffles and games of chance illegal. It is un- 
lawful to resort to any schemes of raffles or games of chance 
by a lodge or members in the name of the Order, as a means 
to raise funds : ; or the purpose of relief to such lodge or 
member. 

The Grand Master cannot by dispensation or otherwise 
legalize or permit any such games of chance by or in the 
name of the Order. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 45, 277. 

Sec. 580. Visitors cannot call to order and preside. A 

visiting brother who is a Past Grand cannot call a lodge to 
order and preside over same. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
PP- 45> 277. 

Sec. 581. Visitor not to be counted to make a quorum. 

A visiting brother cannot be counted to make a quorum 
to open a lodge or do business. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 
45, 277-78. 

SUSPENSION. 

Sec. 582. For cause. A member under suspension 
after trial and conviction as a punishment for an offence 
is liable for dues during the term of his suspension and is 
liable to suspension for non-payment of dues after due no- 
tice, the same as if he had not been under suspension for 
cause. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 46, 277. 

Sec. 583. For non-payment of dues. A member in 
arrears for dues cannot be suspended until he is in arrears 
for thirteen months' dues and one full month's notice of 
arrearages has been given. When he is suspended, it must 
be by formal declaration (vote of the lodge). (See Clause 
1, Sec. 3, Art. 2, General Laws.) — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 
pp. 50, 279. 

Sec. 584. In Rebekah lodge. When a brother who is a 
member of a Rebekah lodge is suspended in his subordi- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 157 

nate lodge, for non-payment of dues, such brother is at 
once suspended from membership in his Rebekah lodge. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 50, 277. 

TRIAL. 

Sec. 585. Members entitled to vote. In acting upon the 
report of a trial committee, all members present who are 
in good standing are entitled to vote, in fact, all members 
present who are less than thirteen weeks in arrears are en- 
titled to vote. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 58, 277. 

TRUSTEE. 

Sec. 586. Not officer of the lodge. The law as to de- 
claring an office vacant (Clause 5, Sec. 3, Art. 3, General 
Laws) does not apply to trustees, as a trustee is not an 
officer of the lodge within the meaning of the law. (See 
Clauses 1 and 2, Sec. 1, Art. 3, General Laws.) — J. G. L. 
of Mich. 1905, pp. 52, 53, 277. 

VETERAN MEMBERSHIP. 

Sec. 587. How composed. The laws of the Sov. Grand 
Lodge provide for what is termed a veteran membership. 
Such membership is composed of brothers who are over 
sixty years of age, and have been contributing members 
for twenty-five consecutive years. 

The rights and privileges of such veteran members will 
be found fully set forth in the Journals of the Sov. Grand 
Lodge 1901, pp. 294, 392, 414; 1902, p. 1012, or Busbee's 
Digest, Sec. 905. 

VOTE FOR GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

Sec. 588. Legal time for voting. When the Past Grands 
of a lodge for any reason fail to vote for Grand Lodge offi- 
cers at the time prescribed by law, the first regular meeting 



158 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

in June, the Past Grands of such lodge cannot legally vote 
at any other time. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 46, 278. 

Sec. 589. Sending out vote. The vote cast for candi- 
dates for Grand Lodge officers is the private business of 
the lodge; and it is a violation of the laws and usages of 
the Order to write or print on letters or postal cards the 
names of candidates to be voted for, and to request the sec- 
retaries of lodges, as such, to mail these letters or postal 
cards with the result of the vote, to persons other than 
the Grand Officer authorized to receive the official returns. 
— J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 69, 277. 

Sec. 590. Sending out vote. A secretary of a lodge 
acting as such and in an official capacity, has no right to 
send out the vote of the lodge for Grand Lodge officers to 
other lodges or to persons other than those designated by 
law to receive the official returns. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905^ 
pp. 69. 277. 

VOTING. 

Sec. 591. Right not affected. The fact that brothers 
preferred the charges or served on the trial committee does 
not affect their right to vote on the report of the trial com- 
mittee or on the resolution presented by said committee. 
No brother has a right to vote on any question who is 
more than thirteen weeks in arrears. — J. G. L. of Mich.. 
1905, pp. 58, 277. 

WITHDRAWAL CARD. 

Sec. 592. Granting of. The fact that a brother asking- 
for a withdrawal card intends to remain in the city or vil- 
lage where his lodge is situated has no effect as to the 
granting of such card. The granting of a card in such case 
comes under the General Laws as to granting such cards. — 
J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 45, 277. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 159 

Sec. 593. Holder eligible to membership. The holder 
of a withdrawal card got into an altercation with an Indian 
and in the melee struck the Indian with a plow handle. 
The man died a few days thereafter as the result of the in- 
jury. The brother holding the card was arrested, con- 
victed of manslaughter, and served two years' time in the 
penitentiary for the offence. 

Question: What is the standing of the brother? Is he 
eligible for admission into a lodge, provided he can pass 
the ballot? 

Answer: He is an Ancient Odd Fellow. He may ap- 
ply as such, presenting with his application for member- 
ship his withdrawal card as evidence that he left the Or- 
der while in good standing. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, 54, 277. 

Sec. 594. No withdrawal pending charges. When 
charges are preferred alleging that a brother in violation 
of the laws of the Order has engaged in the saloon business 
either as a saloon-keeper or bartender such charges must 
be disposed of as the law requires, and pending such 
charges, no withdrawal card can be granted to the brother 
charged. — J. G. L. of Mich. 1905, pp. 59, 280. 



CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS 

AND 

RULES OF ORDER 

OF THE 

GRAND LODGE, I. O. O. F., 

OF 

MICHIGAN 



For the Government of 
Subordinate Lodges of the I. O. O. F. of the State of Michigan as amended to 

the close of the 

OCTOBER SESSION, 1904. 



11 



CONSTITUTION 



OF THE 



GRAND LODGE, I. O. O. F., 



OF 



MICHIGAN 



ARTICLE I. 

Sec. i. Of the Grand Lodge— Style and Title. 

The Grand Lodge shall be known by the name, style and 
title of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows of the State of Michigan, and has exclusive juris- 
diction in Odd Fellowship within the State of Michigan, and 
is the Supreme Tribunal of the Order in its jurisdiction. 
No lodge can be formed or continue to exist without its 
sanction. It possesses the sole right and power of grant- 
ing charters; of suspending and taking away charters, at 
pleasure for proper cause; of receiving appeals, and re- 
dressing grievances arising in lodges subject in all cases to 
appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F.; of 
originating and regulating the means of its own support; 
and of doing all such other acts as appertain to it by an- 
cient usage or custom, and are not in violation of the laws 
of the land, or the constitution or laws of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 



164 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

ARTICLE II. 

Sec. i. — Of Membership. 

Clause i. Qualification for membership. The mem- 
bers of this Grand Lodge shall be a Grand Master, Deputy 
Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand 
Treasurer, Grand Representatives to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., Grand Marshal, Grand Conductor, 
Grand Guardian, Grand Herald, Grand Chaplain, and the 
representatives of the several subordinate lodges in the 
State, who have been du y and regularly elected in con- 
formity with this constitution who shall receive the Grand 
Lodge degree before taking their seats as members. 

Clause 2. No officer who is not a representative shall be 
permitted to vote, except the Grand Master in case of an 
equal division. The elected and appointed officers shall 
have the power of debating and making motions, but shall 
not have the privilege of voting unless they are representa- 
tives. 

Clause 3. Past Grand Masters shall have the privilege 
of debating and making motions, but shall not vote or re- 
ceive mileage and per diem, unless they are representa- 
tives. 

Clause 4. Every subordinate lodge shall be entitled to 
one representative in the Grand Lodge. Every lodge hav- 
ing one hundred members shall be entitled to two repre- 
sentatives, and no lodge shall be entitled to more than two 
representatives . 

Clause 5. Each member of this Grand Lodge shall be 
paid from the funds of the Grand Lodge two dollars per day, 
while in actual attendance at its sittings, and three cents 
per mile travelling expenses, to and from its place of meet- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 165 

ing, to be computed by the nearest travelled route from the 
place of meeting of the lodge to which the member belongs 
and to be in full remuneration for services of such mem- 
ber. "Provided, however, that representatives of lodges 
located in the upper peninsula and officers of this Grand 
Lodge, members of such lodges shall be paid four cents per 
mile to and from the straits of Mackinaw." 

Clause 6. Any Past Grand who shall be certified as re- 
quired by Article 2, Section 8 of the by-laws of the Grand 
Lodge, shall be entitled to have conferred upon him the 
Past Official and Grand Lodge degrees and to attend the 
sessions of the Grand Lodge. 



Sec. 2. 

Clause 1. Election of members. Each subordinate 
lodge shall, at the first meeting in June of each year, elect 
by ballot from among the Past Grands who are in good 
standing, and have been nominated as required by law, such 
number of them as the lodge is entitled to, to serve as rep- 
resentatives for one year from the third Tuesday in Octo- 
ber ensuing. And at the same time the lodge shall elect 
one alternate for each representative; to be qualified for 
election as such alternate a candidate must have all the 
qualifications herein required for representatives, and such 
alternate shall serve in case of the inability of his principal 
to attend, provided that in cases where a lodge has no 
Past Grand legally qualified for election, as an alternate 
under the provisions of this clause, they may elect a duly 
qualified Past Grand of another lodge as such alternate. 

Clause 2. Subordinate lodges not having a qualified 
Past Grand to serve as representative, or alternate, may 
choose in the same manner and for the same term, any 
qualified Past Grand of another lodge, as a proxy repre- 
sentative, who shall be invested with full power as a rep- 



166 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

resent ative, of the subordinate so choosing for the time 
being. 

Clause 3. No member sjiall act as representative and 
proxy representative at the same time, nor shall any act 
as proxy for more than one subordinate lodge at the same. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Expulsion of members. Any member or 
Past Grand permitted to attend the sessions of the .Grand 
Lodge, being guilty of conduct derogatory to the Order, in 
or out of the Grand Lodge, on being regularly convicted, 
shall be expelled and prevented from visiting the Grand 
Lodge, the expulsion to continue in force until the expira- 
tion of the then current official year. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sec. 1.— Of Officers. 

Clause 1. Officers and mode of election. The elective 
officers of the Grand Lodge shall be as follows: 1st, Grand 
Master; 2d, Deputy Grand Master; 3d, Grand Warden; 
4th, Grand Secretary; 5th, Grand Treasurer; 6th, Grand 
Representatives in the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. 
O. O. F., who shall be nominated and elected annually as 
provided for in Section 4 of Article 3, and all elective offi- 
cers of the Grand Lodge who shall permanently remove 
from this jurisdiction, their offices shall become vacant, 
and all books, papers and other property in their posses- 
sion shall be delivered to the Executive Committee of this 
Grand Lodge. 

Clause 2. The appointed officers shall consist of: 1st, 
Grand Marshal; 2d, Grand Conductor; 3d, Grand Guardian; 
4th, Grand Herald; 5th, Grand Chaplain, all of whom shall 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 167 

be appointed annually by the Grand Master, by and with 
the approbation of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause i. Duty of officers. The Grand Master shall 
preside at all meetings of the Grand Lodge; he shall pre- 
serve order, and may enforce it by fine. All questions of 
order, however, shall be subject to an appeal from his 
decision to the Grand Lodge; he shall appoint all Grand 
Officers pro tempore, and all committees, unless otherwise 
ordered by the Grand Lodge ; he shall give the casting vote 
in all cases when the Grand Lodge is equally divided; he 
shall appoint all officers whose appointment is not other- 
wise provided for; he may order special sessions of the 
Grand Lodge whenever the good of the Order may appear 
to require it, and shall call a special session on the written 
request of fifty members. After any sum of money has 
been voted by the Grand Lodge or has become due by 
reason of the action of the Grand Lodge, he shall draw his 
order upon the Grand Treasurer for the same, which order 
shall be countersigned by the Grand Secretary and au- 
thenticated by the seal of the Grand Lodge, also further, 
he or any of his deputies may grant dispensations, on the 
application of a lodge to confer degrees on a member 
without delay, and when officially visiting the subordi- 
nates, he shall be received with the honors of the Order; 
and he may remove any D. D. G. M. for conduct unworthy 
of his standing in the Order, or for inattention to the du- 
ties of his office ; and he shall see that the laws of the Order 
and the laws and enactments of this Grand Lodge are re- 
spected and enforced in the subordinate lodges of this ju- 
risdiction, he shall answer such questions as to the laws and 
usages of the Order as may be submitted to him in writing 
under the seal of a lodge or by a D. D. G. M. and none 
others, and his decisions on all questions so submitted 
shall be binding upon the lodge or party submitting the 
same until reversed by the Grand Lodge, upon approval 



168 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

by the Grand Lodge the decisions so approved stand as 
the law of this grand jurisdiction. Nothing herein shall be 
held or construed to confer any appellate jurisdiction upon 
the Grand Master or to authorize him to entertain or pass 
upon questions of fact arising in controversy between a 
lodge and one of its members. At the annual session of 
this Grand Lodge he shall make a report, in writing, of all 
his official acts and decisions during the recess. 

Clause 2. The Deputy Grand Master shall support the 
Grand Master in presiding, and in his absence shall fill 
the chair for him. In the event of the resignation, death, 
or removal from office of the Grand Master, he shall be- 
come ex-officio Grand Master, until the next regular ses- 
sion thereafter, and until the installation of a Grand 
Master. 

Clause 3. The Grand Warden shall assist the Grand 
Master in conducting the business of the Grand Lodge. 
He shall, under the Grand Master, have special charge of 
the door, and in the absence of the Grand Master and 
Deputy Grand Master, he shall preside, and he shall, ex- 
officio, confer degrees on all Past Officers qualified to re- 
ceive them. 

Clause 4. The Grand Secretary shall make a just and 
true record of all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at 
every session and shall at as early a day as possible after 
the close of a regular annual session in October transmit 
printed copies of such record to the subordinates. He shall 
keep the accounts between the Grand Lodge and its sub- 
ordinates and he shall have his books and accounts fully 
posted, and balanced up to the 1st day of October of each 
year, and submit them to the Finance Committee at their 
meeting previous to the meeting of the Grand Lodge in 
annual session in October. He shall also present to the 
Grand Lodge previous to the closing of each annual session 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 169 

a supplementary report of the receipts to date, and he shall 
receive all moneys coming to the Grand Lodge from its 
subordinates or other sources, and he shall on the first 
Monday of each month remit to the Grand Treasurer all 
moneys that have come into his hands as Grand Secretary 
up to and including the last day of the preceding month 
and he shall not pay out or disburse the moneys of the 
Grand Lodge except as herein directed, and he shall exe- 
cute to the Grand Lodge a bond with at least two sureties 
or a trust and security company bond if the Grand Lodge 
so directs for the faithful performance of his duties. The 
bond in either case to be subject to the approval of the 
Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden. 
He shall notify the subordinates of all regular and special 
sessions of the Grand Lodge (except special sessions held 
for conferring the P. G. and Grand Lodge degrees) at least 
four weeks previous to the time of meeting. He shall 
provide such stationery for the use of the Grand Lodge as 
may be required or as the Grand Lodge shall direct and 
shall superintend such printing as the Grand Lodge may 
direct, and he shall be ex-officio chairman of the Commit- 
tee on Credentials, and for the faithful performance of his 
duties as Grand Secretary he shall receive such salary as 
the Grand Lodge may from time to time direct, which sal- 
ary shall be paid quarterly in advance by proper orders 
upon the Grand Treasurer. 

Clause 5. The Grand Treasurer shall receive and take 
charge of the money of the Grand Lodge. He shall pay alt 
orders drawn on him by the Grand Master countersigned 
by the Grand Secretary and authenticated by the seal of 
the Grand Lodge. He shal make such investments of the 
funds as the Grand Lodge may direct He shall keep the 
accounts in a fair and legible manner, exhibiting the 
sources and amounts of receipts, the purposes and amounts 
of disbursements, and to whom paid. And he shall have 
his accounts closed up to the second Monday in October 



170 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

of each year and submit them to the Finance Committee 
at their meeting previous to the annual session of the Grand 
Lodge. He shall also submit his books and accounts to 
the Finance Committee at such other times as the Grand 
Lodge, or in the interim of its sessions the Grand Master 
may direct. He shall execute to the Grand Lodge a bond 
with at least two sureties or a trust and security bond, if 
the Grand Lodge so directs, for the faithful performance of 
trust. The bond in either case to be subject to the ap- 
proval of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and 
Grand Warden 

Clause 6. The Grand Representatives shall attend the 
meetings of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., 
and shall faithfully represent the wishes of the Grand 
Lodge therein, and they shall be furnished with certificates 
of election in the form required by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 

Clause 7. The Grand Marshal shall assist the Deputy 
Grand Master in supporting the Grand Master in the Grand 
Lodge, and he shall attend the Grand Master in his official 
visits to the subordinates, when requested to do so by that 
officer; issue his proclamation when necessary, and obey 
his commands, and he shall have charge of all grand pro- 
cessions. 

Clause 8. The Grand Conductor shall assist in the cere- 
monies of the Grand Lodge, and in preserving order therein. 

Clause 9. The Grand Guardian shall attend to the out- 
ward door of the Grand Lodge, and permit none to enter 
or depart without the consent of the Grand Warden. 

Clause 10. The Grand Herald shall have charge of the 
a,nte-room. He shall receive the cards of travelling 
brothers applying for admission, deliver them to the Grand 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 171 

Guardian, and perform the duties of his office under the 
direction of the Grand Master. 

Clause ii. The Grand Chaplain shall attend the ses- 
sions of the Grand Lodge for the purpose of opening and 
closing the same according to his office. 

Clause 12. At the close of each annual session of the 
Grand Lodge, the Grand Master shall appoint a District 
Deputy Grand Master for each subordinate lodge to serve 
for one year from the ist of November ensuing or until his 
successor is appointed, unless sooner removed by the Grand 
Master under the provisions of Clause i of this section, 
said District Deputy Grand Masters shall be the represen- 
tatives of the Grand Master in their respective subordinate 
lodges. Each shall have power to grant dispensa- 
tions to his own lodge for conferring degrees in less time 
than may be otherwise permitted when circumstance re- 
quire it, and it shall be their duty to see that the work of 
the Order is performed correctly; and in cases of per- 
sistent violation of the work or laws of the Order, to report 
the same to the Grand Master, and in all cases to carry out 
such instructions as that officer may give, to install the 
officers of their respective lodges or cause it to be done by 
qualified Past Grands, unless the same be done by the 
Grand Master in person. But no District Deputy Grand 
Master shall install or cause to be installed the officers of 
any subordinate under his charge until the report of such 
subordinate to the Grand Lodge shall be actually made and 
placed in his hands (or in the hands of the Past Grand 
whom he may authorize to install) and a warrant for the 
dues to the Grand Lodge ordered, and such report he shall 
immediately forward to the Grand Secretary. And each 
District Deputy Grand Master shall report semi-annually 
to the Grand Master immediately after the installation of 
officers. 

Clause 13. All Grand Officers shall, in addition to the 



172 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

duties specified in this constitution, perform such others as 
the Grand Lodge may enjoin. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Qualifications for office. Any Past Grand in 
good standing under the jurisdiction of this lodge, having 
received the Grand Lodge and Past Official degree, shall 
be eligible for any grand office except for Grand Represen- 
tative, for which he shall not be eligible unless he has at- 
tained the R. P. degree, and is a member in good standing 
in an encampment in good standing and has also received 
the degree of Rebekah and is a member in good standing 
in a Rebekah lodge in good standing, and no brother shall 
be eligible to two elective offices at the same time (except 
that a Past Grand holding an elective office shall be eli- 
gible to election as representative to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, or a Grand Representative may be elected to an- 
other office in the Grand Lodge, and may hold both offices 
at the same time) : Provided, That any P. G. entitled ta 
receive the Past Official and Grand Lodge degrees shall be 
eligible to the office of D. D. Grand Master. 

Sec. 4. 

Clause 1. Mode of nomination and election. Nomina- 
tions of candidates for Grand Lodge officers shall be made 
at the annual session of the Grand Lodge held next pre- 
ceding the time of election. Any P. G. may, prior to the 
first day of the annual session, transmit to the Grand Sec^ 
retary the name of any P. G. eligible to office, stating the 
office for which he is nominated. Provided that such 
nomination is accompanied by a statement or a certificate 
from his lodge that the brother making the nomination 
is a Past Grand in good standing: Provided further, that 
any subordinate lodge may, if it desires, make such nomi- 
nation under its seal and the Grand Secretary shall pre- 
sent and read all such nominations to the Grand Lodge at 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 173 

the time nominations are in order, which shall be imme- 
diately after the committee on canvassing the votes for 
Grand Lodge officers has reported and the election of offi- 
cers for the ensuing year has been fully completed at which 
time any Past Grand in attendance at such session of the 
Grand Lodge may make nominations and all nominations 
made shall be recorded by the Grand Secretary. A mo- 
tion to declare the nominations for an office closed shall 
not be in order if any Past Grand in attendance objects 
and desires to make a nomination. Any Past Grand 
nominated for an office being personally present may de- 
cline such nomination and such declination shall be en- 
tered upon the record, and the Grand Secretary shall no- 
tify each P. G. nominated (except such as may have per- 
sonally declined) of his nomination previous to the ist day 
of December, and unless the P. G. so notified shall sig- 
nify his acceptance of such nomination previous to the 
i st day of February following it shall be considered as 
declined and the Grand Secretary shall in the month of 
February transmit to the several lodges blank forms for 
election returns and separate printed tickets for each can- 
didate in nomination. Tickets to be in sufficient number 
to supply each P. G. of the lodge to which they are sent. 

Clause 2. At the first regular meeting of the subordi- 
nate lodges in the month of June the Past Grands who are 
in good standing in their respective lodges shall meet at 
the lodge room and in open lodge proceed to vote by bal- 
lot for Grand Officers. Provided, Any Past Grand a mem- 
ber of a lodge in this jurisdiction, residing in the jurisdic- 
tion of a lodge aside from his own, may cast his vote for 
Grand Officers in such lodge by presenting a certificate 
from his lodge certifying that he is a Past Grand in good 
standing of such lodge, which certificate shall be added to 
and made a part of the elect'on returns of the lodge where 
such brother voted. As soon as the poll in each lodge is 
closed, the N. G. and Secretary shall count the votes, an- 



174 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

nounce the result of such count to the lodge, and the re- 
sult so announced shall be entered upon the minutes of 
the lodge, certify and seal up the result together with the 
ballots cast and the names of the Past Grands voting, and 
immediately transmit the same by mail to the Grand Sec- 
retary, marked "Election returns for Grand Lodge offi- 
cers, from Lodge, No " 

and the Grand Secretary shall safely keep such election 
returns until the Monday preceding the annual session of the 
Grand Lodge when he shall deliver them unopened to the 
canvassing committee, and no returns shall be valid unless 
all the provisions of this clause are complied with. 

Clause 3. The Grand Master shall on or before the 30th 
day of September of each year appoint from among the 
duly elected representatives to the next session of the 
Grand Lodge a canvassing committee of five members who 
shall be duly notified of their appointment by the Grand 
Master and such committee shall convene at the place 
designated for the holding of the session of the Grand 
Lodge on the morning of the Monday preceding the third 
Tuesday in October following their appointment, and such 
committee shall be entitled to the same per diem as is paid 
representatives for attendance at the session of the Grand 
Lodge, for the Monday session previous to the opening of 
the Grand Lodge and to such committee, when convened 
and duly organized, the Grand Secretary shall deliver all 
election returns received from the subordinate lodges, and 
the committee shall immediately proceed to open and 
count the votes, and any brother interested in the count of 
said votes by reason of being a candidate for any office in- 
volved in said count shall be privileged to be present dur- 
ing the count of such votes, either in person or by a duly 
appointed representative, such representative to be a Past 
Grand entitled to admission to the Grand Lodge, and no 
vote shall be valid or recorded as part of the poll, unless it 
be for a regularly nominated candidate. Having com- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 175 

pleted the count they shall report the result to the Grand 
Lodge, when the candidate receiving a majority of all the 
valid votes cast for the offices for which they were re- 
spectively nominated shall be declared elected. In case 
no candidate has such a majority, the representatives 
present shall at once proceed to elect, confining their votes 
to the three candidates receiving the highest number of 
votes of the Past Grands in the subordinate lodges. If 
from any cause a vacancy should occur, or the officer 
elected fail to appear at the proper time for installation, 
unless prevented by sickness, the office shall be declared 
vacant, and the representatives present shall at once pro- 
ceed to nominate and elect a Past Grand to fill the va- 
cancy. 

Clause 4. Representatives to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of the I. O. O. F. from this Grand Lodge shall be 
nominated and elected in the same manner as is provided 
for the election of the other officers of this Grand Lodge, 
in such numbers, and to serve for such time, as the laws of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O F. may provide. 

Sec. 5. 

Clause 1. Installation. The Grand Officers shall be 
installed at any time during the session that the Grand 
Lodge may determine. The Grand Master, or on his in- 
vitation, any Past Grand Master, shall install the Grand 
Master elect, who shall install the other Grand Officers. 

Clause 2. All Grand Officers shall be installed to serve 
until the next annual session and the installation of their 
successors. 

Sec. 6. 

Clause 1. Removals. Any Grand Officer may be re- 
moved from his office for conduct not worthy of his stand- 



176 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

ing in the Order or for inattention to the duties of his office 
but he shall be entitled to a fair trial, and two-thirds of the 
votes of the representatives present shall be necessary for 
removal: Provided, The Grand Master may suspend any 
officer from the performance of the duties of his office, 
and appoint a qualified Past Grand to perform such duties 
whenever in his judgment it is necessary for the interests 
of the Order, and any officer so suspended shall be en- 
titled to a trial at the next session of the Grand Lodge. 

Clause 2. No officer shall officiate in the Grand Lodge 
during the time occupied in his trial. Should the Grand 
Master be under charges, a Past Grand Master, if one be 
present, shall preside while any question arising therefrom 
shall be under consideration. 

Sec. 7. 

Clause 1. Vacancies. All vacancies in the office occa- 
sioned by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled 
in the manner heretofore prescribed, and for the residue 
of the term: Provided, That in case a vacancy should oc- 
cur from any of the causes above mentioned during the 
interim of the sessions of the Grand Lodge, the Grand 
Master shall have power to fill such vacancy by the ap- 
pointment of a qualified Past Grand to the office. If the 
office vacant shall be an elective one, the appointment 
shall be until the next session of the Grand Lodge, and 
until the election and installation of a qualified Past Grand 
to the office. If an appointive office, the appointment 
shall be for the balance of the term, subject to the ap- 
proval of the Grand Lodge at its next session. 

Sec. 8. 

Clause 1. Standing Committees. At the opening of 
each annual session the Grand Master shall appoint sub- 
ject to the approval of the Grand Lodge the following 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 177 

standing committees to serve until the convening of the 
next annual session: 

i st Committee on Credentials of Representatives 
and Past Grand to consist of the Grand Secretary 
and four representatives. 

2d. Committee on Returns of Subordinates of nine 
representatives. 

3d. Committee on the Judiciary of nine represen- 
tatives. 

4th. Committee on Legislation of nine representa- 
tives. 

5th. Committee on Petitions of nine representatives. 

6th. Committee on Correspondence of nine repre- 
sentativc<. 

7th. Committee on the Rebekah branch of the 
Order of nine representatives. 

8th. Committee on Mileage and Per Diem to con- 
sist of five representatives. 

The Grand Master shall also appoint the following addi- 
tional standing committees to serve for one year from the 
day of appointment, to wit: 

1 st. A Committee on Appeals to consist of five mem- 
bers, such committee to be appointed not later than the 
1st of September of each year from the representatives 
elect to the next session of the Grand Lodge, and the mem- 
bers of such committee shall be duly notified of their ap- 
pointment by the Grand Master and shall convene at the 
place designated for holding the session of the Grand 
Lodge, following their appointment, on the Friday pre- 
ceding the session of the Grand Lodge on the third Tues- 
day in October following, and to such committee when 
convened the Grand Secretary shall deliver all appeals 
that have come into his hands as provided in Art 4 of the 
by-laws, and the committee shall consider, pass upon and 
report on all appeals in their hands, under the provision 
12 



178 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

of said Art. 4 of the by-laws, and each member of the 
committee in attendance at its session, shall be entitled to 
the same per diem (including Sunday) as is paid to repre- 
sentatives while in attendance at the sessions of the Grand 
Lodge, but shall not be entitled to any additional mileage 
by reason of service on said committee. 

2d. A Committee on By-Laws of Subordinates to con- 
sist of three representatives to be appointed at each an- 
nual session after the installation of officers and previous to 
the close of the session, subject to the approval of the 
Grand Lodge, and to such committee shall be referred as 
provided in Sec. 3, Art. 3 of the by-laws, all by-laws and 
amendments to by-laws submitted for examination and 
approval and the committee shall consider and dispose of 
all such by-laws and amendments under the provision of 
Sec. 4, Art. 3 of the by-laws, and such committee may, if 
in the judgment of the chairman the interests of the Order 
require it, hold not more than three sessions between the 
session of the Grand Lodge, at such time and place as the 
chairman shall designate, and for attendance at such ses- 
sions the committee shall be entitled to same per diem 
and mileage as is paid to representatives attending the ses- 
sions of the Grand Lodge which shall be a full remunera- 
tion for services at such sessions. In the event of any mem- 
ber of said committee not being a representative at the ses- 
sion following his appointment such member, if in attend- 
ance at such sessions, shall be entitled during the term of 
his appointment to all the rights of membership, when any 
matter pertaining to the duties of his appointment is before 
the Grand Lodge except the right to vote, and for attend- 
ance at such sessions shall be entitled to the same mileage 
and per diem as a representative. 

3d. A Committee on Finance to consist of three repre- 
sentatives to be appointed by the Grand Master, subject 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 179 

to the approval of the Grand Lodge, at each annual session 
after the installation of officers and previous to the close of 
the session, to serve for one year. And it shall be the duty 
of such committee to examine and report upon all claims 
and accounts against the. Grand Lodge that may be re- 
ferred to them. To examine the books and accounts of 
the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer at such time as 
the Grand Lodge or Grand Master in the interim of the 
session of the Grand Lodge may direct, and to suggest 
such measures of finance as they may deem expedient. 
And in case either of the members of the Finance Commit- 
tee should not be a representative at the annual session 
following his appointment such member shall, if in at- 
tendance at such session, be entitled during the term of his 
appointment as a member of such committee to all the 
rights of a representative when any question pertaining 
to the duties of his appointment is before the Grand 
Lodge, except the right to vote, and shall while engaged in 
the duties of his appointment as a member of such Fi- 
nance Committee, or in attendance of the sessions of the 
Grand Lodge during the term of his appointment be en- 
titled to the same per diem and mileage as is paid to rep- 
resentatives in attendance at such session. 

Clause 2. The Committee on Credentials shall examine 
the certificates of Past Grands claiming seats in this Grand 
Lodge as representatives and report upon their rights to 
such seats; they shall also examine the certificates of Past 
Grands and report upon their rights to receive the P. 0. 
and Grand Lodge degree and be admitted to the Grand 
Lodge. 

Clause 3. The Committee on Returns shall carefully 
examine the reports of subordinates, annual and semi- 
annual, and report to the Grand Lodge on their incorrect- 
ness. If such reports are found incorrect or incomplete 
the report shall set forth wherein. 



180 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Clause 4. To the Committee on the Judiciary shall be 
referred all questions coming before the Grand Lodge as to 
the laws of the Order or their construction and the decis- 
ions -of the Grand Master upon questions of law and the 
committee shall report upon all matters referred to them 
at the session when referred, unless further time be granted 
them by the Grand Lodge. 

Clause 5. To the Committee on Legislation shall be re- 
ferred all resolutions or recommendations proposing new 
legislation, or the repeal of existing laws, and they shall 
report thereon at the session when referred. 

Clause 6. To the Committee on Petitions shall be re- 
ferred all petitions and all memorials coming before the 
Grand Lodge and the committee shall report upon all 
matters referred to them at the session when referred. 

Clause 7. To the Committee on Correspondence shall 
be referred all correspondence of the officers of the Grand 
Lodge requiring action on the part of the Grand Lodge, 
and they shall report upon all matters referred to them at 
the session when referred. 

Clause 8. To the Committee on the Rebekah branch 
of the Order shall be referred all communications and 
business presented to the Grand Lodge by the Rebekah 
Assembly or pertaining to the Rebekah branch of the Or- 
der, and they shall report upon all matters referred to 
them at the session when referred. 

Clause 9. The Committee on Per Diem and Mileage 

shall examine and report the amount of per diem and 
mileage each member of the Grand Lodge is entitled to re- 
ceive for his attendance at the session of the Grand Lodge. 
Said committee shall also prepare the warrant or order for 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 181 

such sums as each member is entitled to receive under the 
law and action of the Grand Lodge for attendance at such 
session, provided that if the Grand Lodge so direct, the 
Grand Master shall at each annual session, when so di- 
rected immediately after his installation, appoint with the 
approval of the Grand Lodge, a qualified Past Grand to 
compute the mileage of the members to the next annual 
session, and such Past Grand so appointed shall compute 
the mileage of the officers and representatives from their 
several lodges to the place designated for the holding of 
the next session of the Grand Lodge by the nearest trav- 
eled route, as required by this constitution, and transmit 
or present such computation to the Grand Secretary pre- 
vious to the opening of the session of the Grand Lodge. 
Grand Secretary shall place such computation in the hands 
of the Committee on Mileage and Per Diem, when ap- 
pointed, for examination and the correction of any errors 
that may be found therein, and as the basis of their report 
as to the mileage the members are entitled to, and for the 
computation of such mileage the Past Grand appointed, 
shall be paid the sum of twenty (20) dollars, which sum 
shall be a full remuneration for his services for making such 
computation; no mileage to be allowed in consideration of 
such appointment. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sec. 1. 

Clause 1. Sessions, etc. The Grand Lodge shall hold 
one regular session in each year on the Third Tuesday in 
October, which shall be distinguished as the Annual Ses- 
sion. The Grand Lodge may hold special sessions at the 
call of the Grand Master and during any of the sessions, 
it may adjourn rom time to time until the business of 
the session shall be disposed of; and all sessions of the 



182 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

Grand Lodge shall be held in such place as the preceding 
Grand Lodge shall select. Provided, That the Grand Mas- 
ter may call special sessions, at the request of not less than 
ten Past Grands entitled to receive the Past Official and 
Grand Lodge degrees, and who agree to pay the necessary 
expenses of such session at such time and place as he may 
determine, for the purpose of conferring the Past Official 
and Grand Lodge degrees, and giving instructions in the 
work and for no other purpose. 

At such specia' sessions the Grand Master, the Deputy 
Grand Master, the Grand Warden, or either of them, to- 
gether with the Grand Secretary and five Past Grands, 
shall constitute a quorum. 

Clause 2. At the Annual Session the subordinates shall 
have their reports, returns and sums due presented as re- 
quired by these Articles; new members shall be admitted 
to their seats and all manner of business within the power 
of the Grand Lodge may be transacted. 

Clause 3. At special meetings no business shall be 
transacted except that for which the session has been 
called, which shall be distinctly stated in the notification 
to lodges. 

Clause 4. At all regular and special sessions, representa- 
tives from a majority of the lodges in the jurisdiction en- 
titled to representation shall be necessary to constitute a 
quorum for the transaction of business, except as herein- 
after provided. And such quorum may transact all busi- 
ness within the power of the Grand Lodge, except as pro- 
vided for in Clause 3 of this section. Provided. That the 
Grand Lodge may be opened with a less number of repre- 
sentatives for the purpose of receiving and acting upon the 
certificates of Past Grands in waiting to receive the Past 
Official and Grand Lodge degrees and for conferring the 
same but for no other business. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 183 

Sec. 2. 

Clause i. Working degrees. The Grand Lodge shall 
be opened in the Grand Lodge degree at all times when 
engaged in any business of the Order, unless when instal- 
ling Grand Officers, or during the instructions in the un- 
written work or the exemplification of the initiatory and 
degree work of the subordinate lodge, when, by resolution, 
it may be opened in the Scarlet Degree for the duration of 
such ceremony of instruction or exemplification in order to 
permit the presence of brothers of that rank in the Order. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Votes. All questions before the Grand Lodge, 
except when otherwise provided for in this constitution, 
shall be determined by a majority of the votes given by 
the representatives present. 

ARTICLE V. 

Sec. 1. 

Clause 1. Of subordinate lodges — duties, etc. On the 

written application of five or more brothers of the Degree 
of Truth, holding unexpired withdrawal cards, praying 
for a charter to open a lodge, the Grand Lodge may grant 
the same, and on the payment of fifty dollars therefor, the 
lodge shall receive its charter, work books and odes, to- 
gether with the necessary blank, question and receipt books 
for the proper working of a lodge, and shall be fully in- 
structed in the unwritten work by the Grand Master or a 
D. D. Grand Master or by a Past Grand specially deputed, 
whose expenses, if any, shall be borne by the lodge so 
opened: Provided, That in cases where it is desired to 
establish a lodge in a location not less than 10 miles from 
an existing lodge, and the parties desiring to petition for a 
dispensation or charter for such proposed lodge, are not 



184 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

competent petitioners for such dispensation or charter by 
reason of not being Odd Fellows. In such cases a suffi- 
cient number of such parties (5) may make application in 
regular form for membership in the lodge nearest such lo- 
cality, and upon due reference of such applications to a 
committee, examination and report of such committee ac- 
cording to the General Laws of the jurisdiction, when if 
after such examination or investigation the lodge applied 
to shall recommend such applicant to membership by the 
vote (by ballot) required for the election of members under 
the General Laws of the jurisdiction, then and in such 
case the vote shall be certified to the Grand Master by the 
Noble Grand and secretary of the lodge electing under its 
seal. When the Grand Master may by himself or a duly 
commissioned deputy call to his assistance the necessary 
number of duly qualified brothers and proceed to initiate 
the applicants whose election is so certified, and may con- 
fer on such brothers the degrees of a subordinate lodge, 
when such brothers shall be competent petitioners for a 
dispensation or charter for the proposed lodge: And pro- 
vided further, That in cases where it is desired to organ- 
ize a lodge in a locality where there is no lodge within 
ten miles, and the brothers desiring to organize such lodge 
are not qualified under the law as petitioners, by reason 
of not having received the third or Scarlet degree, the 
Grand Master, may by himself or some duly qualified Past 
Grand, call to . his assistance the necessary number of 
duly qualified brothers, and proceed to confer the degrees 
of a subordinate lodge or any of them upon the brothers 
desirous of organizing such lodge to make them competent 

petitioners for such charter. 
\ 

Clause2. Attheendof each term, all lodges shall prepare 
a report for the Grand Lodge, containing the names of those 
initiated, admitted by card, rejected, withdrawn by card, sus- 
pended or expelled, and the cause thereof, reinstated and 
deceased, together with the number o. degrees conferred, 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 185 

the whole number of the membership, and the result of 
the election of officers, accompanied by whateve amount 
may be due to the Grand Lodge and attached to said reports 
P. G. certificates in the form required by the laws of the 
Grand Lodge, and said report for the term ending June 
30th of each year shall also have attached certificates (in 
the form required by the law of this Grand Body) of the 
representatives elect to the next session of the Grand 
Lodge and all of said certificates shall be authenticated 
by the seal of the lodge, and the signature of the Noble 
Grand and Secretary; and cause said report to be deliv- 
ered to the installing officer previous to installation, and 
the dues to the Grand Lodge to be forthwith transmitted 
to the Grand Secretary, together with the receipt of the 
installing officer for the reports delivered to him, and any 
lodge that shall fail to have its reports (or evidence that 
said reports were delivered to the installing officer pre- 
vious to installation) and all moneys due the Grand Lodge, 
in the hands of the Grand Secretary at least four weeks pre- 
vious to the opening of the annual session on the third 
Tuesday in October, shall not be entitled to representation 
at such session, and no representative from any subordinate 
lodge so defaulting shall be admitted to a seat as a repre- 
sentative. 

Clause 3. Each lodge, in addition to the semi-annual 
report required by the preceding clause, shall present an 
annual report up to the first day of January of each year, 
containing the following information : 

1 st. The county, city or town where held, and the night 
of meeting. 

2d. Number initiated, admitted by card or dismissal 
certificate, as Ancient Odd Fellows, or reinstated during 
the vear. 



186 THE DEAN DIGEST. 

3d. Number withdrawn by card, suspended, expelled 
or died during the year. 

4th. Number of members in good standing, ranked ac- 
cording to degrees taken, number of Past Grands. 

5th. Number of brothers relieved, number of widowed 
families relieved, number of weeks of sick benefits paid 
during the year. 

6th. Amount paid for sick benefits; amount paid for 
relief of widowed families; amount paid for burial of the 
dead ; amount paid for education of orphans ; amount paid 
as benefits for the relief of orphans ; amount paid for char- 
ity; amount paid for current expenses during the year. 

7th. Receipts from dues, receipts from admission and 
degrees, receipts from rent and from invested funds, and 
total receipts. 

Clause 4. No lodge shall admit a proposition from, or 
initiate any person unless he be twenty-one years of age. 

Sec. 2. 

. Clause 1. Dues. Each subordinate shall pay to the 
Grand Lodge, semi-annually as dues, twenty-five cents for 
each member of such lodge, as may appear by their semi- 
annual reports, and in case the funds of the Grand Lodge 
shall fail the deficiency shall be made up by assessments 
on the subordinates. 

Clause 2. Each subordinate lodge shall pay to the 
Grand Lodge annually for the purpose of providing and 
maintaining an Odd Fellows' Home in the State of Michi- 
gan the sum of ten cents for each member of such lodge as 
may appear by their semi-annual reports. Which sum 
may be increased to an amount not to exceed 50 cents 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 187 

for each member by resolution adopted by the Grand 
at any Lodge regular session. 



ARTICLE VI. 

Clause i. Of amendments — constitution. No altera- 
tion or amendment shall be made to this constitution, ex- 
cept at the annual session, and unless the same has been 
proposed in writing by not less than five (5) representa- 
tives at a previous regular session, in which case it may be 
passed by the votes of three-fourths of the representatives 
present, and shall take effect and be in force as soon as ap- 
proved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause 1. By-laws, etc. The Grand Lodge may adopt 
or amend, at any regular session such by-laws and rules 
of order for the governing thereof as two-thirds of the rep- 
resentatives present shall approve, to take effect after the 
close of the session at which they may be adopted. Pro- 
vided, That such laws and rules shall not in any way con- 
travene this constitution or violate the principles of the 
Order. 

ARTICLE VII. 

Clause 1. Executive Committee. The Grand Master, 
the Grand Warden and the Grand Secretary shall form an 
Executive Committee, with power to receive and act on 
petitions, establishing lodges presented in the intervals of 
the sessions, and the Grand Master may, with the unani- 
mous consent of the committee, issue dispensations for 
the same, which shall be valid if confirmed at the next 
regular session of the Grand Lodge. Said committee shall 
also perform such other duties as the Grand Lodge shall 
direct. 



188 THE DEAN DIGEST. 



ARTICLE VIII. 



Clause i. Of charters of subordinates. The Grand Mas- 
ter, in addition to the powers heretofore granted shall have 
the power to demand the charter of any subordinate lodge, 
whenever he shall see sufficient cause to do so; and the 
work of such subordinate lodge shall be suspended until 
the case shall be considered by the Grand Lodge. Pro- 
vided, That the Grand Master shall not demand the charter 
of any lodge until he shall have first notified the lodge in 
writing of the charge or complaint against them and given 
an opportunity to be heard in defense. If, after such hear- 
ing or opportunity to be heard, the Grand Master shall 
demand the charter and suspend the lodge, he shall pre- 
sent the charge or complaint, as served upon the lodge, to 
the Grand Lodge at its next session, and on such charge or 
complaint the case shall be heard by the Grand Lodge. At 
the hearing of the case by the Grand Lodge, the suspended 
lodge shall have the right to be represented by a Past 
Grand of such lodge or by attorney ; such attorney to be a 
Past Grand entitled to admission to the Grand Lodge. 



By-Laws of the Grand Lodo-e. 



AS AMENDED TO THE CLOSE OF THE 
OCTOBER SESSION, 1905. 



ARTICLE I. 



Sec. i. Of meetings. The Grand Lodge will convene 
at the annual session at 9 o'clock a. m., and shall adjourn 
from time to time until the business of the session is com- 
pleted, unless otherwise ordered specially by vote of the 
Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 2. Within thirty minutes after the time of meeting, 
the presiding Grand Master shall proceed to open the Grand 
Lodge for the purpose of receiving and acting upon the 
certificates of Past Grands in waiting to receive the Past 
Official and Grand Lodge degrees and for conferring the 
same. If, after conferring the degrees, there should not 
be a constitutional quorum present for the transaction of 
business, the Grand Master shall declare the Grand Lodge 
adjourned until 7:30 o'clock p. m., or until the next day 
at the hour specified in Sec. 1. 

Sec. 3 In the absence of the Grand Master, Deputy 
Grand Master and Grand Warden, the chair may be taken 
pro tern, by any member of the Grand Lodge who may be 
called to it by a majority of the members present. 



190 BY-LAWS. 

Sec. 4. The sessions of the Grand Lodge shall be opened 
and closed with prayer. 

ARTICLE II. 

Sec. 1. Of subordinates. Should any subordinate lodge 
fail to hold its meetings for six months or to make its re- 
turns as required by Art. V., Clause 2 of the constitution, 
for one year, it shall be deemed an extinct lodge and its 
charter shall be forfeited and the Grand Master shall 
promptly take the necessary steps to cause the effects of 
such lodge to be returned to the Grand Lodge. The funds 
and other effects of a defunct lodge when returned to the 
Grand Lodge shall be held in trust for two years, when, if 
not reclaimed, they shall be disposed of as the Grand 
Lodge may direct, and all expenses incurred by the Grand 
Lodge in connection with the return of such effects and all 
amounts due the Grand Lodge from such defunct lodge 
shall be paid from the proceeds of such sale or the funds 
returned and the balance, if any, shall be held in trust with 
the charter, or may be used for the benefit of widows or 
orphans having claims upon such defunct lodge or to assist 
working lodges in need of funds to enable them to sustain 
their organizations as the Grand Lodge may direct. Pro- 
vided, however, That in cases where no application is 
made for the restoration of the charter of a defunct lodge 
within five years of the surrender of such charter, it shall 
be competent for the Grand Lodge or its Executive Com- 
mittee, on issuing a charter or dispensation for a new lodge 
to assign the number of such defunct lodge, as the number 
of such new lodge, but the assignment of such number 
shall not give such new lodge any claim to any of the effects 
of the defunct lodge whose number is assigned to them; 
and Provided further, That in the event of an application 
for restoration of the charter of a defunct lodge whose 
number has been assigned to a new lodge under the above 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 191 

provision, being favorably acted upon after such assign- 
ment of number, such defunct lodge so restored shall be 
given a new number and an indorsement made upon the 
charter restored, setting forth the reasons of the change 
o" number. 

Sec. 2. The funds, properties, etc., of subordinate 
lodges having been raised for the purpose of relieving sick 
and distressed brethren and other charitable uses in the 
Order, are not liable to be divided in any manner among 
the members individually, but shall remain for its legiti- 
mate purpose the property of the lodge, so long as its 
charter is unreclaimed and five brothers who have at- 
tained to the Scarlet Degree remain in good standing in 
the lodge. Provided, That subordinate lodges may set 
aside five per cent of their total receipts for dues as a con- 
tingent fund to be expended for such other purposes not 
provided for in this section. 

Sec. 3. In all cases where a lodge shall have been sus- 
pended or expelled, or its charter shall have been forfeited, 
the charter, iunds, books, properties and effects of all 
kinds shall revert to the Grand Lodge ; and it shall be the 
duty of the last installed officers of such lodge to deliver 
immediately to the Grand Master or to the brother by him 
deputed to receive them, such fund and other effects as 
the lodge may have claim to, and any brother who shall 
be concerned in or give countenance to, the division of 
the funds or other effects of a lodge under any circum- 
stances, or who shall receive any part or share thereof, or 
be concerned in withholding any of the effects of a sus- 
pended, expelled or defunct lodge from the Grand Lodge 
shall be deemed unworthy of fellowship, and shall be de- 
barred from all connection with the Order until he shall 
have made full restitution and such reparation for the 
offence as shall be pronounced satisfactory by a vote of 
the Grand Lodge. 



192 BY-LAWS. 

Sec. 4, The Grand Secretary shall have power, on being- 
satisfied of the good standing of any member of a defunct 
subordinate lodge, whether the books be in the possession 
of the Grand Lodge or not, to grant such member a card 
or certificate in the form prescribed by the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. Such card or certificate shall have the same force 
and effect as an expired withdrawal card issued by an ex- 
isting subordinate lodge in good standing. Such card or 
certificate does not entitle the brother receiving it to the 
A. T. P. W. nor can it be used for the purpose of visiting. 
Provided, That no such card shall be given to any brother 
of a suspended or expelled lodge, unless ordered by a special 
vote of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 5. Any lodge or brother who shall be concerned in 
organizing, or who shall knowingly give countenance and 
support to, or shall visit any lodge purporting to be a lodge 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and not possess- 
ing a legal, unreclaimed and valid charter, duly granted by 
authority of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., 
shall be deemed unworthy of fellowship and such brother, 
upon satisfactory proof, shall be suspended or expelled at 
the option of the lodge of which he is a member ; nor shall 
any person who has been in membership in any spurious 
or illegal lodge be received into any regular lodge without 
the consent of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec. 6. Every subordinate lodge shall have a suitable 
seal (a proof impression of which shall be deposited with 
the Grand Secretary), and all its official communications 
shall be sealed therewith. 

Sec. 7. No lodge shall have a public procession, lec- 
ture, ball or festival without the permission in writing of 
the Grand Master (except to attend the funeral of a broth- 
er) . And permission to hold any anniversary or other cele- 
bration, ball or party, where the regalia of the Order is 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 193 

worn, or the name of the Order assumed, shall only be 
granted on the receipt of a pledge in the following form, 
duly signed by the officers of the lodge and under seal: 

To the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., 
of Michigan: 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F., 

being desirous of holding a on the 

day of respectfully asks 

your permission to hold the same, upon the distinct pledge, 
which is hereby given that no intoxicating beverages of 
any kind shall be offered to the guests or members present 
on the occasion. 

N. G. 

(Seal.) 

V. G. 

Secy. 

Sec. 8. Any P. G. who shall be certified in the follow- 
ing form in the last annual returns of his lodge, as having 
been duly elected a representative of such lodge in this 
Grand Lodge, or who shall present in person a certificate 
in said form, said certificates to be duly signed and sealed, 
shall be entitled to a seat as a representative in this Grand 
Body: 

CERTIFICATE FOR REPRESENTATIVE. 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

To the Grand Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., of the State of 
Michigan : 

This is to Certify, That Brother 

P. G. has been duly elected a Representative of this Lodge 
in your Grand Body, to serve until the Annual Session in 
190. . , and that at the time of his election, he was a mem- 
ber of this Lodge in good standing. 
13 



194 BY-LAWS. 

In Testimony Whereof, We hereunto affix our hands and 

the Seal of our Lodge this day of 

190. . 

N. G. 

• , R. Sec. 

CERTIFICATE FOR PROXY REPRESENTATIVE. 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

To flie Grand Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F. of the State of 
Michigan : 

This is to Certify, That Brother 

P. G., of Lodge, No , has 

been duly elected a Proxy Representative of this Lodge in 
your Grand Body, to serve until the annual session in 190 . . 
And we further certify, That at the time of election there 
was no qualified Past Grand within the membership of 
this Lodge. 

In testimony Whereof, We hereunto affix our hands and 
the seal of our Lodge, this day of 

..-.;..... I90. . 

N. G. 

, R. Sec. 

.Any P. G. who shall be certified in the following form in 
the last annual returns of his lodge as having been elected 
to and filled the office of N. G., or who shall present a cer- 
tificate in said form, said certificate to be duly signed and 
sealed, shall be entitled to attend the sittings of the Grand 
Lodge and to have conferred upon him the Grand Lodge 
and Past Official degrees. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 195 

PAST GRAND'S CERTIFICATE. 

Lodge, No , I. O. O. F. 

To the Grand Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F. of the State of 
Michigan: 

This is to Certify that Brother 

was duly elected to and installed into the office of Noble 
Grand of this Lodge, and has discharged the duties of said 

office for the term "ending with the first meeting in 

, 190 . . , and is therefore entitled to all the rights 

and privileges such service confers under the Law of the 
Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I. 0. O. F., and the Con- 
stitution and Laws of your Grand Body. 

In testimony Whereof, We hereunto affix our hands and 

seal of our Lodge this day of 

190. . 

N. G. 

, R. Sec. 

It shall be the duty of the N. G. and Secretary to fill out 
and deliver to such representative and Past Grand dupli- 
cates of the certificates in such annual report And mail 
another duplicate of said certificate, in addition to the one 
in such annual report to the Grand Secretary of this Grand 
Lodge. And in the absence of such certificates, the Grand 
Lodge shall not confer the Past Official or Grand Lodge 
degrees on any brother, except on the affirmative vote of 
two-thirds of the representatives present. 

Sec. 9. Immediately upon the receipt of said duplicate 
certificate, the Grand Secretary shall enter the name of 
the Past Grand named in each of said certificates in a year 
book, which he shall provide for that purpose. Said year 
book shall contain a roll of the names of all Past Grands 
which shall hereafter come to the Grand Secretary as 
provided in the preceding section. 



196 BY-LAWS. 

When the Grand Secretary shall have entered the names 
of the Past Grands from said duplicate certificates in said 
year book, he shall make a file of all of said certificates by 
lodges and each certificate shall be endorsed by the num- 
ber of the lodge by which it was issued. At each session 
of the Grand Lodge the Grand Secretary shall place said 
year book, together with the file of all of said duplicate Past 
Grand certificates in the hands of the committee on elec- 
tions and returns as soon as that committee is appointed. 
When any Past Grand desiring the P. O. and Grand Lodge 
degree shall present his Past Grand certificate to said 
committee on election and returns and proves himself en- 
titled to said degrees, his name shall be checked in said 
year book with the date on which said degrees were con- 
ferred. 

Sec. 10. Any member of the Order in this jurisdiction 
who shall either directly or indirectly use or sanction the 
use of any of the emblems, the name, or any of the titles, 
or the mottoes of the Order, or the initials thereof, in the 
prosecution of any private business or enterprise, or any 
member or officer of any lodge in this jurisdiction, who shall 
either directly or indirectly use or permit the use of his 
name as such member or officer in any private business, or 
enterprise, or shall use any of its emblems, its name, or 
any of its titles, its mottoes, or the initials thereof, in any 
advertisement or public display not authorized by some 
law of the Order, shall be considered guilty of a fraud on 
the Order, and shall be suspended or expelled at the option 
of the lodge to which he belongs. 

Sec. ii. The night of meeting of subordinate lodges 
shall be fixed by their by-laws, and they may alter the 
same at pleasure by an amendment to their by-laws, and 
notify the Grand Secretary of the same. 

Sec. 12. Two or more subordinate lodges may be con- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 197 

solidated into one subordinate lodge. Whenever such 
action shall be deemed advisable, a resolution to that 
effect may be introduced in each of the lodges desiring 
such consolidation which shall be entered upon the rec- 
ords of the lodge and laid over for two weeks. At the sec- 
ond regular meeting thereafter the lodge may proceed to 
tak action on said resolution, when, if less than five (5) 
members in good standing vote against the resolution, it 
shall be adopted; but if five (5) or more members in good 
standing vote against the resolution, it shall be lost, and 
the question shall not be again raised during the term, ex- 
cept upon the motion of two or more brothers who voted 
against the resolution. If the resolution is adopted, a 
copy thereof together with a statement of the action of 
the lodge thereon, signed by the Noble Grand and Secre- 
tary, under seal of the lodge, shall thereupon be trans- 
mitted to the Grand Master. 

On receipt of such resolutions duly attested from two 
or more subordinate lodges, the Grand Master sha 1 sub- 
mit the same to the Executive Committee of the Grand 
Lodge. If the Executive Committee shall unanimously 
approve of such consolidation, the Grand Master shall 
officially notify each of the lodges interested of such ap- 
proval, and appoint a time and place for the several lodges 
to meet for the purpose of perfecting such consolidation. 

At such meeting the Grand Master, or a special deputy 
duly appointed by him, shall proceed to form such lodges 
into one subordinate lodge under the name and number 
before designating one of said lodge ; such name and num- 
ber to be determined by a majority vote of all the members 
present and voting. 

All the members in good standing of each of the said 
lodges shall thereupon become members of such consoli- 
dated lodge which shall also have jurisdiction over all 
suspended members of each of said lodges. The officers 
of such consolidated lodge shall be elected and installed 
in the same manner as in a newly instituted lodge. 



198 BY-LAWS. 

All the funds, property and record books, belonging to 
each of said lodges, shall belong to and be turned over to 
such consolidated lodge. The charter and all of the charge 
books, except such as originally belonged to the lodge whose 
name and number have been retained, shall be turned over 
to the Grand Lodge. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sec. i. No person shall have membership in more than 
one subordinate lodge at the same time ; nor shall any lodge 
confer degrees upon a member of another lodge, without 
the consent of the lodge to which the member belongs, given 
under its seal. 

Sec. 2. The Grand Master shall forward through the 
D. D. G. M. of each lodge, to be communicated to the N. 
G. on the night of installation, a term pass word for each 
term. 

Sec. 3. The by-laws of each lodge chartered by this 
Grand Lodge, together with all amendments thereto, shall 
immediately on their adoption be forwarded to the chair- 
man of the Committee on By-Laws, or to the Grand Sec- 
retary to be submitted to the Committee on By-Laws for 
their approval, and neither by-laws or amendments there- 
to are of any force or effect until approved by the com- 
mittee, except as provided for in Section ten (10) of Article 
two (2) of these by-laws. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sec. 1. Appeals. This Grand Lodge will entertain ap- 
peals by a member or members of a subordinate lodge 
from any action thereof. When an appeal is taken from 
the action of a lodge in any case the lodge shall, by its sec- 
retary, within twenty days after notice of such appeal is 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 199 

taken, furnish the applicant with copies of all papers and 
records connected with the case, to enable him to perfect 
his appeal; and the appellant shall within twenty days 
after being furnished with the necessary papers and rec- 
ords serve upon the lodge a copy of his appeal, and all 
papers to be presented therewith, and at the same time 
forward the original with all papers connected therewith 
to the Grand Secretary. 

Sec. 2. When an appeal is taken from the action of a 
lodge, and a copy of the appeal, papers and records con- 
nected therewith served upon the lodge, as prescribed by 
Sec. i, the lodge shall, within twenty-two days, forward 
to the Grand Secretary a full record of the case as it ap- 
pears on the record of the lodge together with all the 
papers and documents connected therewith and such an- 
swer to the appeal as they may deem proper to make. All 
papers to be duly certified and under seal. 

Sec. 3. In passing upon appeals taken from the action 
of a lodge, in the matter of charges, specifications and 
trial, the Appeal Committee and the Grand Lodge shall be 
confined to matters of law, informality or lack of fairness 
in the proceedings. The action of the subordinate shall 
be conclusive as to matters of fact, and as to the imposi- 
tion of a penalty for an offense, provided the penalty im- 
posed is one recognized by law. 

Sec. 4. In cases w^here it is found that the offense 
charged in the specifications on which the charge is based, 
is not cognizable by a lodge, the action of the lodge may be 
set aside and the brother restored to membership, and to 
all the rights and privileges in the lodge, or if it should 
appear that there was no legal evidence to sustain the 
charges, the same action may be had. When it appears 
that there has been irregularity in he form of the charges 
and pecifications, or in the manner of preferring them or 



200 BY-LAWS. 

in the appointment of the committee, or in their proceed- 
ings or in those of the lodge, the action of the lodge may be 
set aside and the case remanded to the lodge to correct 
their error or errors and dispose of the case according to 
the forms of the law. 

Sec. 5. In appeals taken from the action of a lodge, 
not connected with charges and trials, the Appeal Com- 
mittee and the Grand Lodge shall have full jurisdiction, 
both as to questions of law and facts. But in all cases the 
facts certified in the papers accompanying the appeal shall 
be conclusive. 

Sec. 6. When an appeal is received by the Grand Secre- 
tary, he shall retain the same in his possession until the 
certified record and papers are sent up by the lodge, when 
he shall immediately forward the appeal and all papers 
connected therewith to the chairman of the Committee on 
Appeals: Provided, That in case the lodge neglect to 
send up the certified record within the time prescribed by 
Sec. 2 of this Article, the Grand Secretary shall communi- 
cate with the lodge and notify them to comply with the 
law, and in case they fail to do so within fifteen (15) days, 
the Grand Secretary shall transmit the appeal and. papers 
accompanying it to the chairman of the Committee on 
Appeals, and the statement of the facts contained in the 
appeal and papers accompanying it shall be taken as ad- 
mitted by the lodge. 

Sec. 7. The Committee on Appeals shall carefully con- 
sider and pass upon all appeals (received from the Grand 
Secretary) under the provisions of Sections 3, 4 and 5 of 
this Article, and having agreed upon a report, they shall 
immediately present the same to the Grand Master. If 
the Grand Master approve the finding of the Appeal Com- 
mittee he shall endorse the report and forward it to the 
Grand Secretary, who shall at once transmit copies thereof 
to the lodge and the appellant, and the decision of the Ap- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 201 

peal Committee, approved by the Grand Master, shall be 
final except on appeal to the Grand Lodge from the decis- 
ion of the committee. When such appeal is taken, the 
appellant shall furnish the Committee on Appeals with 
the grounds thereof, and the Grand Lodge will hear the 
parties and affirm or reverse the decision of the committee 
at its next regular session. In case the Grand Master 
shall not approve the decision of the Appeal Committee, 
he shall notify the chairman of his objections and submit 
their report with his reasons for not approving of it, to 
the next session of the Grand Lodge, when the report 
shall be considered and disposed of as the Grand Lodge 
shall deem proper. 

Sec. 8. In all cases where the decision of the Grand 
Lodge is not satisfactory to either party interested or to 
any member of the Grand Lodge, such party or member 
may take an appeal to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the 
I. O. O. F. When notice of such appeal is given, it shall 
be referred to the Appeal Committee, who shall settle all 
questions of fact connected therewith, and the appellant 
shall, within sixty days, furnish the committee with a copy 
of his appeal and all papers and documents connected 
therewith, and the committee shall make answer to such 
an appeal on behalf of the Grand Lodge. The facts being 
settled by the committee, and the appellant having com- 
plied with the law and furnished copy of appeal, etc., the 
Grand Master and Grand Secretary shall certify the facts 
and endorse the appeal as taken with the consent of the 
Grand Lodge. 

ARTICLE V. 

Sec. i. Violation of jurisdiction. In case where a lodge 
considers that a sister lodge has violated her territorial 
jurisdiction as defined by Clause 2, Sec. 1 Art. 2, of the 
General Laws, such lodge may within one year from the 
time the alleged offense was committed, serve upon the 



202 BY-LAWS. 

offending lodge a complaint, together with a statement of 
the facts alleged in the case, giving the name or names of 
the brother or brothers admitted, who, it is claimed, re- 
sided within the territorial jurisdiction of their lodge, and 
accompanied by such evidence as they may have in their 
possession as to the facts alleged, and attached to such 
complaint and statement a claim for all moneys received 
from the brothers for initiation, admission and degrees. 
And the lodge complaining shall retain a copy of the com- 
plaint, statement, evidence and claim. * 

Sec. 2 The lodge against which complaint and claim 
is made shall, within one month after being served with 
such complaint and claim, make answer to the same, and 
cause the answer to be served upon the complaining 
lodge. In case they deny the alleged facts and refuse 
to pay the amount claimed, they shall accompany the an- 
swer with such evidence as they have in their possession 
to sustain it. 

Sec. 3. In case the lodge making the complaint and 
claim is not satisfied with the answer, they may within two 
months notify the lodge charged of an appeal to the Grand 
Lodge. After such notice of appeal either of the lodges 
may within one month take further proofs as to the mat- 
ter alleged upon giving the sister lodge two week's notice 
of the time and place of taking such proofs ; and at the time 
of taking such proofs the sister lodge may be present by 
its representative or attorney, with a right to cross exam- 
ine all witnes'ses, and to present evidence in rebuttal, and 
if the evidence is taken by the lodge charged, they shall 
within one week serve upon the lodge appealing, such evi- 
dence duly certified. 

Sec. 4. At the expiration of two months from date of 
notice of appeal, the lodge appealing shall serve upon the 
sister lodge a copy of their appeal, and shall send the ap- 
peal, together with a copy of the original complaint and 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 203 

statement with the answer of the lodge charged, and all 
evidence taken by cither party in reference to the case, to 
the Grand Secretary. The lodge charged may within one 
week after being served with copy of appeal make such an- 
swer to the same as they see fit, and transmit the same to 
the Grand Secretary and the Grand Secretary shall, at the 
expiration of two weeks after receiving the appeal and 
papers connected with it, transmit the same to the chair- 
man of the Committee on Appeals to be disposed of as pre- 
scribed by Art. 4 of the by-laws. Provided, That in case 
the lodge complained of shall fail to make answer to the 
complaint and claim as required by Sec. 2 of this Article, 
the lodge complaining may at the expiration of the time 
prescribed in Sec. 2, transmit an appeal, together with a 
copy of the original complaint, statement and claim, with 
all evidence served upon the lodge complained of to the 
Grand Secretary, and attached to such appeal shall be a 
certified return of the service of such original complaint 
and papers upon the lodge complained of, and the failure 
of the lodge complained of to comply with the require- 
ments of Sec. 2 of this Article shall be taken as an admis- 
sion of the facts alleged in the statement. The Grand 
Secretary shall at once, on the receipt of such appeal and 
papers, transmit the same to the chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Appeals to be disposed of as prescribed by Art. 
4 of the by-law . 



FORM OF COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATION OF JURIS- 
DICTION. 

Hall of Lodge No , I. O. O. F 

To the Officers and Members of Lodge, 

No , I. 0. 0. F., held a , in 

County, Michigan: 

Brothers : — At a regular meeting of this Lodge, held on 
the dav of we were di- 



204 BY-LAWS. 

rected to complain to your Lodge of their action in re- 
ceiving the petitions and admitting to membership in your 
lodge (here name the person or persons), as we claim that 
he (or they) was (or were) at the t me of his (or their) ad- 
mission to your lodge a resident (or residents) within the 
territorial jurisdiction of this Lodge. 

The facts are that at the time of his admission to your 

Lodge, Mr resided (here state the 

exact place of his residence, and its distance from each of 
the Lodges and continue the same in each case). In sup- 
port of this statement we submit the annexed evidence as 
to the residence of the parties named, and the distances of 
their residences from each of the Lodges. 

We, therefore, claim and demand from your Lodge all 
moneys received by your lodge from the parties named for 
initiation or admission and degrees, under the provisions 
of Clause 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the General Laws. 

(Seal.) ...., N. G. 

, Secretary. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

1. The Presiding Officer having taken his station, the 
officers and members shall take their appropriate seats, and 
at the sound of the gavel there shall be general silence. 

2. The Grand Lodge shall be opened in due form. 

3. The roll of officers shall be called. ... v .:■:■< 

4. Certificates shall be received referred to the Com- 
mittee on Elections and Returns for immediate action. 

5. The report of the Committee on Elections and Re- 
turns, as to Past Grands entitled to Past Official and 
Grand Lodge degrees, shall be received and acted upon. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 205 

6. The Past Official and Grand Lodge degrees shall be 
conferred upon the Past Grands declared entitled thereto. 

7. The Committee on Elections and Returns shall re- 
port the names of Past Grands entitled to seats as repre- 
sentatives of their several lodges, which report shall be 
acted upon. 

8. The roll of representatives shall be called and a con- 
stitutional quorum being present, the Grand Master shall 
declare the Grand Lodge regularly open for all business 
that may be constitutionally brought before it. 

9. The minutes of last session shall be disposed of. 

10. The reports of the Grand Officers shall be received 
and referred to appropriate committees. 

11. Communications shall be presented and disposed of. 

12. Appeals shall be presented and referred, or other- 
wise disposed of. 

13. The subordinate lodges shall be called in their or- 
der, and each may, through its representative or represen- 
tatives, present any business, which shall be referred to 
appropriate Standing Committees. 

14. Proposed amendments to the constitution, duly 
submitted at the previous session to be taken up and dis- 
posed of. 

15. The Standing Committees shall report in their 
order. 

16. Special committees shall report. 

17. Unfinished r.nd new business shall come up. 



206 BY-LAWS. 

RULES OF ORDER. 

i. No motion shall be open to debate until it has been 
seconded and stated by the chair, and at the request of any 
member it shall be reduced to writing. 

2. Every member when he offers a motion or speaks, 
shall rise and respectfully address the chair. 

3. Members shall always confine themselves, while 
speaking, to the question before the Grand Lodge avoiding 
personalities and indecorous language, as well as reflec- 
tions upon the constituted authorities of the Order and of 
this Grand Lodge. 

4. Should a member be called to order while speaking 
he shall resume his seat until the question of order shall 
be decided, when, if permitted, he may proceed. 

5. Should two or more members rise at the same time, 
the Presiding Officer shall determine which is entitled to 
the floor. 

6. No member shall speak more than twice on the same 
subject, except by permission of the Grand Lodge. 

7. Any member may call for a division of a question 
when the sense will admit thereof. 

8. When a blank is to be filled, the question shall be 
first taken on the highest sum or number, and the longest 
or latest time proposed, and so down; but in other cases, 
the consideration of amendments shall begin with the last 
and end with the first. 

9. When a question is before the Grand Lodge, no 
motion shall be received unless it be to adjourn, the pre- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 207 

vious question, to lay on the table, to refer, to postpone 
inde finitely, to postpone to a certain time or to amend, 
and the motions enumerated shall take precedence in the 
order named. The first three shall be decided without de- 
bate. 

10. When a motion or resolution has been once nega- 
tived, or indefinitely postponed, it shall not be again 
brought before the Grand Lodge at the same session, but 
a motion to reconsider the action of the Grand Lodge 
thereon shall nevertheless be in order under the rule here- 
inafter laid down. 

ii. A call for the previous question must be sanctioned 
bv a majority of the members present, which shall be as- 
certained thus: The Presiding Officer shall say, "Repre- 
sentatives, the previous question is called for, as many of 
you as desire that the main question be now put will 
arise." And if a majority of the members present rise in 
answer, the question shall be immediately taken, first, on 
any amendments that may be pending, and then upon 
the original proposition. 

12. Before putting the question, except under the pro- 
visions of Rule ii, the Presiding Officer shall ask: "Is 
the Grand Lodge ready for the question?" and if no mem- 
ber shall rise to speak, the question shall be put. 

13. After the Presiding Officer has risen to put a ques- 
tion, and while he is addressing the Grand Lodge, no mem- 
ber of the Grand Lodge shall attempt to speak, walk out 
of, or cross the room to hold private conversation. 

14. Xo member shall be excused from voting or serv- 
ing on committees, except by a vote of the Grand Lodge. 

15. Except when the laws of the Grand Lodge provide 



208 BY-LAWS. 

otherwise, all questions shall be decided by a majority of 
votes. 

1 6. Should the decision of a question be doubtful, the 
Presiding Officer may, of his own motion, or on the call of 
any member, order a division of the Grand Lodge. 

17. On the call of one-fifth of the members present, the 
yeas and nays shall be ordered and recorded. 

18. Motions to reconsider must be made and seconded 
by members who voted with the prevailing side. Such 
motions must be made at the same session with the decis- 
ions objected to, or at the next session thereafter, and the 
vote on reconsideration shall be final. 

19. Members when speaking of other members shall 
use their appropriate titles, according to standing in the 
lodge. 

20. The decisions of points of order shall be originally 
with the Presiding Officer, but any member may appeal 
from such decision to the Grand Lodge and the question 
shall then be: "Is the decision of the chair the judgment 
of the Grand Lodge?" which shall be determined without 
debate; except that the member appealing shall have the 
right to state the grounds of his appeal, and the Grand 
Master the grounds of his decision. 



GENERAL LAWS OF THE GRAND LODGE 



OR 



CONSTITUTION FOR SUBORDINATE LODGES. 



14 



GENERAL LAWS. 



For the Government of Subordinate Lodges of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of 
Michigan, as Amended to the Close of 
the October Session, 1905. 



PREAMBLE. 



For the purpose of effecting as . much uniformity 
formity as possible in the administration of the privileges, 
honors and benefits of the Order, within its jurisdiction, 
the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. of the State of Michi- 
gan, the supreme tribunal of Odd Fellowship in this State, 
without whose sanction and control no lodge can exist 
within its limits, ordains the following articles for the 
government of subordinate lodges: 



ARTICLE I. 

Clause i. Lodges shall be constituted by at least five 
members wdio shall have attained the Scarlet Degree and 
holding unexpired withdrawal cards, and shall be hailed 

and entitled Lodge, No , I. O. O. 

F., and shall possess the full power and privileges of a sub- 
ordinate lodge, holding a legal unreclaimed dispensation 
or charter duly granted, and formally presented by the 
Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. of the State of Michigan. 
14 



212 GENERAL LAWS. 

ARTICLE II. 

Sec. i. Of Membership. 

Clause i. Admissions, etc. No person shall be per- 
mitted to become a member of any lodge unless he be a 
free white male not under twenty-one years of age, of 
good moral character (not engaged in the business of a 
saloonkeeper, bartender or professional gambler and no 
person engaged in either of said callings shall be admitted 
to membership in any lodge, except as hereinafter pro- 
vided in Clauses 5, 6 and 8 of this section as to brothers 
holding withdrawal or visiting cards or official certificates 
in date) and all persons admitted to membership must be- 
lieve in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the 
Universe; be free from disease, and have some known, 
reputable means of support, and no person shall be ad- 
mitted to membership in any lodge by initiation for a less 
sum than five dollars, nor (unless by deposit of card) until 
he shall have been a resident of this State, and the terri- 
tory over which the lodge has jurisdiction, six months last 
preceding the time of his making application. 

Clause 2. The territorial jurisdiction of a lodge shall 
extend half way from its place of meeting or lodge room to 
the nearest lodge by an air line, except where there are 
two or more lodges located in the same city or village, in 
which case they shall have concurrent jurisdiction. And 
no lodge shall receive a petition from or admit to member- 
ship any person living within the jurisdiction of another 
lodge without the consent of the lodge under whose juris- 
diction the applicant resides, such consent to be in writing 
and under seal, and any lodge violating the provisions of 
this clause shall, on conviction, pay to the lodge under 
whose jurisdiction the applicant resided at the time of ad- 
mission, all moneys received from such applicant for initia- 
tion or admission and degrees up to the time of conviction. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 213 

Clause 3. Applications for membership by initiation 
shall be made in writing, and signed by the applicant, set- 
ting forth his age, occupation and residence, and signed 
by two brothers as reference (and it shall be competent 
for lodges by provision of their by-laws to provide for a 
medical examination of all applicants in which case the 
certificate of such examination shall accompany the pe- 
tition), which must be entered upon record, and the sub- 
ject referred to three brothers for investigation, who shall 
make diligent inquiry as to the character and qualifica- 
tions of the applicant, and report at the succeeding regu- 
lar meeting, unless further time be granted them by ac- 
tion of the lodge. Upon the reports of the committee the 
applicant shall be balloted for with ball ballots: Pro- 
vided, That the lodge shall have power by a two-thirds 
vote to postpone the balloting until the next regular meet- 
ing after that upon which the committee report. Upon 
the ballot being taken if less than two black balls appear, 
the applicant shall be elected, but if two or more black 
balls appear he shall be rejected, and so declared, and no 
further balloting shall be allowed, unless all the brothers 
who cast the black balls within four w r eeks voluntarily 
move for a reconsideration of the same, wdien the vote 
shall be taken by ball ballot, when if all the balls be white 
the reconsideration shall be had, whereupon the applica- 
tion shall lie over until the next regular meeting when an- 
other ballot shall be had, and if the same be unanimously 
in favor of the applicant, he shall be elected; but if one or 
more black balls appear in either ballot, the applicant shall 
be rejected, and in no case shall a reconsideration be had 
except upon the voluntary motion of all who cast the 
black balls, and never more than one reconsideration in 
the same case shall be allowed. 

Clause 4. When a candidate has been rejected, notice 
thereof shall be sent without delay to all lodges having 
concurrent jurisdiction and no petition from any person 



214 GENERAL LAWS. 

so rejected shall be again received by any lodge for the 
space of six months: Provided, That the provisions of 
this clause shall not apply to a rejected applicant by card, 
who may renew his application at any time within the life 
of his card. 

Clause 5. A brother of the Order wishing to become a 
member shall present a petition, together with his card 
from the lodge of which he was a member, which shall be 
referred to a committee of three, and in all other respects 
disposed of as provided by Clause 3 for applicants, and, 
on being admitted, shall pay a sum not less than one dollar. 

Applicants under the provisions of this clause holding 
cards in date are not subject to he provisions of Clause 1 ■ 
of this section as to saloonkeepers, bartenders or profes- 
sional gamblers except in cases where such applicants may 
have engaged in either of such prohibited callings since the 
date of his card. 

Clause 6. A member in good standing desiring to change 
his membership to a sister lodge in whose jurisdiction he 
resides may present a petition in the usual form accom- 
panied with either a visiting card or official certificate in 
date, which petition shall be received, referred and bal- 
loted upon as prescribed for applicants in Clause 3 of this 
section, when if the applicant is elected the secretary shall 
at once notify the lodge to which the brother belongs of 
the action of his lodge in the election of the brother to 
membership, when the brother's lodge shall upon proper 
application by the brother or on his behalf by the secre- 
tary of the lodge electing, grant him a withdrawal card, 
provided he is free from all charges and has paid all dues 
and fees against him to date of application, and shall de- 
liver the same to him on payment of the price thereof. 

The granting of a withdrawal card under the conditions 
herein set forth is mandatory, no ballot being required. 
The card must be issued and cannot be annulled. Upon 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 215 

presenting such withdrawal card to the lodge electing and 
the payment of such admission fee as may be prescribed 
in the by-laws, the brother shall be entitled to sign the con- 
stitution and shall thereupon become a member of said 
lodge. The vote by which a brother was elected to mem- 
bership under the provisions of this clause cannot be re- 
considered. 

Applicants under the provisions of this clause are not 
subject to the provisions of Clause i of this section as to 
saloonkeepers,. bartenders or professional gamblers. 

Clause 7. An Ancient Odd Fellow holding an expired 
withdrawal card, a Grand Lodge certificate or a certificate 
showing that he resigned his membership in the Order 
while in good standing, or the holder of a dismissal certifi- 
cate may be admitted to membership as provided in Clause 
5 of this section for brothers holding cards in date, and on 
being admitted shall pay such sum as may be fixed in the 
by-laws for such admissions, which shall not be less than 
$3.00. Brothers admitted under the provisions of this 
clause shall be entitled to such rank in the lodge as they 
can prove that they have attained. 

Clause 8. Any non-affiliated Odd Fellow holding a 
regular withdrawal card, expired or in date, a Grand Lodge 
certificate, a certificate showing that he resigned his mem- 
bership in the Order while in good standing, or a dismissal 
certificate, and who has held a membership in the Order 
for at least five consecutive years, and who at the time of 
making application is over 50 years of age, may be ad- 
mitted as a non-beneficial member, and shall be subject 
to such dues as may be fixed in the by-laws of the several 
lodges for non-beneficial members, and enjoy all the rights 
and privileges of other members, except the right to bene- 
fits, sick or funeral expenses. Any person entitled to and 
desiring membership under this clause shall present a peti- 
tion setting forth the facts, accompanied with his with- 



216 GENERAL LAWS. 

drawal card, Grand Lodge certificate, certificate of res- 
ignation or dismissal certificate which shall be referred to 
a committee of three, and in all other respects disposed of 
as provided in Clause 3 of this section and on be- 
ing admitted shall pay not less than three dollars r 
and all applicants under the provisions of this clause 
except such as hold withdrawal cards in date are sub- 
ject to the provisions of Clause 1 of this section as 
to saloonkeepers, bartenders or professional gamblers. 
Applicants holding withdrawal cards in date are not sub- 
ject to such provisions unless they shall have engaged in 
either of the prohibited occupations after the date of with- 
drawal card. 

Clause 9. When an applicant shall have been elected 
under the provisions of Clauses 5, 6 or 7 of this section, it 
shall be the duty of the N. G. upon such applicant present- 
ing himself in the ante-room during the session of the lodge 
to appoint a committee of three, one of whom must be the 
V. G. or some P. G. known to be in the possession of the 
A. T. P. W., who shall examine the applicant in the A. T. 
P. W. and the work of the Order, and upon the report of 
the committee that he is correct he shall be introduced and 
sign the constitution after which he shall be entitled to all 
the rights and privileges of membership: Provided, That 
if the applicant be an Ancient Odd Fellow or the holder 
of a dismissal certificate, he shall not be required to be in 
possession of the A. T. P. W. ; Provided further, That in 
cases where the applicant was elected to membership on 
deposit of a visiting card or official certificate under the 
provisions of Clause 6 of this section his withdrawal card 
must have been presented and the admission fee paid 
before the appointment of such committee. 

Clause 10. A lodge having elected a person to mem- 
bership who is, prior to his admission, found to be un- 
worthy, may reconsider his election by a two-thirds vote of 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 217 

the members present, except as provided in the next to 
the last paragraph in Clause 6 of this section. When the 
election of an applicant is reconsidered he shall be again 
balloted for under the provisions of Clause 3 of this sec- 
tion. But the lodge shall have power previous to taking 
such ballot to make such further investigation as may be 
deemed proper: Provided, That not more than two weeks 
shall intervene between the reconsideration and the sec- 
ond ballot. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause 1. Contributions and benefits. The regular con- 
tributions to the lodge fund shall be determined by the by- 
laws. Assessments for special purposes within the scope 
and intent of the -Order may also be provided for in the 
by-laws: Provided, That should there be insufficient in 
the lodge fund to pay the dues and assessments made by 
the Grand Lodge, the lodge may assess the sum necessary 
to pay the same, upon its members, and such assessments 
shall be immediately due and payable. 

Clause 2. Every bona fide member (except such as were 
admitted as non-beneficial members) who shall be quali- 
fied as required by the by-laws, in case of sickness or disa- 
bility, shall be entitled to receive such weekly benefits as 
may be fixed by the by-laws, from the funds of the lodge: 
Provided, That the weekly benefits to a member of the 
Degree of Truth shall not be less than two dollars after 
the first week's sickness. No benefits to be paid for the 
first week's sickness, nor for the fractional part of any week 
thereafter: Provided, however, That in cases of contin- 
ued sickness or disability, that when a member shall have 
received one full year's benefit in the amount fixed in the 
by-laws, which shall not be less than the minimum sum 
prescribed in this clause, the weekly benefits to such 
member for the remainder of such sickness or disability 
may be reduced by provision of the by-laws to such amount 



218 GENERAL LAWS. 

as the by-laws may prescribe: Provided, That such 
amount shall not be less than one dollar per week. The 
payment of sick benefits to members who have not at- 
tained the Degree of Truth shall not be obligatory upon 
lodges; but they may provide for sick benefits to such 
members by provision of their by-laws. 

Clause 3. In the case of the death of a benefit member 
•of the lodge, qualified as provided in Clause 2 of this sec- 
tion, there shall be paid from the funds of the lodge to de- 
fray the expense of burial such sum as may be specified in 
the by-laws (which sum shall not be less than thirty (30) 
dollars and such sum in case the deceased brother is buried 
by the lodge shall be used to defray the expense of burial, 
or in case the family or any relative or friend of the deceased 
or the administrator of his estate shall take charge of the 
funeral and pay or incur the expense thereof, then and in 
such case the sum specified in the by-laws shall be paid to 
the person paying or incurring the funeral expenses. But 
if the circumstances are such that no funeral expenses are 
incurred or the brother is buried at government expense 
or at the expense of some other benevolent organization 
which conducts exclusively the funeral ceremonies and 
buries the brother at its own expense, then and in such 
cases the lodge shall not be liable for the payment of the 
sum specified in its by-laws to defray expense of burial. 

In addition to the funeral expenses herein provided for, 
lodges may in their discretion and by provision of their by- 
laws make provision for a funeral benefit in such amount as 
they may deem proper, to be paid as prescribed by the laws 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge and to the beneficiaries 
named in said laws. 

Clause 4. The funds in the treasury of a lodge are trust 
funds, to be used only for the legitimate purposes of the 
Order, to wit: To meet the claim of sick and distressed 
members, to care for them properly during their illness, 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 219 

to bury the dead, to succor the widow and educate the 
orphan, and to meet the legitimate running expenses of 
the lodge. ' The legitimate running expenses of the lodge 
includes the expenditure of a reasonable amount for the 
celebration of the anniversary of the Order on April 26th 
and on no other day (except when the 26th falls on Sun- 
day), or for the observance of Memorial Day, such expen- 
diture includes the hiring of a band to accompany a parade 
or as an attraction in connection with and as a part of the 
prescribed ceremonies incident to such celebration, but the 
funds of the lodge cannot be used to pay any expense in 
connection with the celebration of the anniversary of the 
lodge, nor in the payment of any expense in connection 
with any ball, party, excursion, banquet or the like, as 
these are not the legitimate purposes of the lodge, and any 
such expenditure is a misappropriation of the funds of the 
lodge, nor can any appropriation of the funds of the lodge 
be legally made to persons or for purposes outside of the 
Order. 

Provided, however, That lodges may by provision of 
their by-laws set aside 5 per cent of all moneys received 
for dues (but from no other source) as a contingent fund. 
Such fund cannot be used for pleasure excursions or the 
mere gratification of individual members, but may be used 
for the purpose of procuring flowers or music at the funeral 
of a deceased brother, the payment of necessary carriage 
or railroad expense of the members attending such fu- 
neral, and for such purposes as tend to present the Order 
to the public in its true light, such as the procuring of 
speakers, to instruct in the tenets of the Order, and in such 
kindred ways as will awaken general interest in the Order 
and its work. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Suspension and reinstatement for non-pay- 
ment of dues. Any member being in arrears to the amount 



220 GENERAL LAWS. 

of twelve months' dues shall be notified thereof by the 
secretary having in charge the accounts between the lodge 
and its members and if such arrearages are not paid within 
one month, the members so in arrears shall be suspended. 

Clause 2. Any member under suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues applying for reinstatement may be reinstated 
by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting 
at any regular meeting: Provided, That no member un- 
der suspension for non-payment of dues who is engaged in 
the business of a saloonkeeper, bartender or professional 
gambler shall be eligible to reinstatement, unless such sus- 
pended member was lawfully so engaged at the time of 
his suspension and has remained continuously so engaged 
and Provided, further, That the lodge may, if they desire 
information as to the character or health of the applicant 
for reinstatement, refer the application to a committee to 
report at the next regular meeting. All members rein- 
stated within one year of date of suspension shall pay the 
amount of one year's dues. After one year from the date 
of suspension a member reinstated shall pay the same 
amount as an initiate of the same age, or such greater sum 
as the by-laws may prescribe. 

Clause 3. Any member over fifty years of age who is 
under suspension for non-payment of dues, and who has 
held membership in the Order for at least five consecutive 
years, may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the mem- 
bers present and voting, as a non-beneficial member on 
the payment of three dollars and shall be entitled to the 
rights and privileges and subject to dues as prescribed for 
non-beneficial members by Clause 8, Sec. 1 of this Article. 
Members reinstated under the provisions of this clause are 
subject to the provisions of Clause 2 as to saloonkeepers, 
bartenders or professional gamblers. 

Clause 4. A lodge resuscitated on the application of a 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 221 

legal number of the former members of such lodge has ju- 
risdiction over all members of the lodge who were in good 
standing or under suspension at the time the lodge ceased 
work (except those who may have received cards from the 
Grand Lodge) and may reinstate them subject to the pro- 
visions of Clause 2 of this section as to saloonkeepers, 
bartenders and professional gamblers in the manner pre- 
scribed in Clause 2 of this section. Members so reinstated 
within one year of the resuscitation of the lodge shall pay 
the amount of one year's dues as fixed by the by-laws of 
the lodge. After one year from date of resusciation 
members reinstated shall pay the same amount as an initi- 
ate of the same age or such greater sum as the by-laws 
may prescribe. 

Clause 5. Any member under suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues, on being refused reinstatement, shall be en- 
titled to a dismissal certificate on making application 
therefor and the payment of one dollar, without any action 
on the part of the lodge. 

Clause 6. Any member under suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues may be reinstated subject to the provisions of 
Clause 2 of this section as to saloonkeepers, bartenders 
and professional gamblers, and granted a withdrawal card 
any time within five years of suspension, upon the pay- 
ment of one year's dues and the usual price of a card, or a 
lodge may, on proper application and the receipt of one 
dollar, at its discretion and by a majority vote of the mem- 
bers present, grant such suspended member a dismissal 
certificate to enable him to join a lodge in this jurisdiction 
before the five years have expired. After five years from 
date of suspension a member wishing to join a lodge in 
this jurisdiction shall be entitled to receive and the lodge 
shall grant upon the proper application a dismissal cer- 
tificate on the receipt of one dollar. 



222 GENERAL LAWS. 

Clause 7. A member suspended for non-payment of 
dues desiring to join a lodge in any other jurisdiction shall 
be entitled to receive and the lodge shall grant, on proper 
application, a dismissal certificate on the receipt of one 
dollar. 

Sec. 4. 

Clause 1. Penalties and trials. Any member who shall 
violate any of the principles of the Order, or offend against 
these Articles or the by-laws shall be subject to be fined r 
reprimanded, suspended or expelled as the by-laws may di- 
rect, ancient usage require or the lodge determine. 

Clause 2. Every member shall be entitled to a fair 
trial for any offense involving reprimand, suspension or 
expulsion, except where made liable by non-payment of 
dues, or when convicted of crime in the civil courts and 
sentenced and serving a term of imprisonment, in which 
case it shall only be necessary to prefer a charge in writing 
alleging the fact of such conviction, sentence and impris- 
onment and present evidence to sustain such allegation, 
and to fully identify the person convicted, sentenced and 
imprisoned as the member named in the allegation as one 
and the same person, when the member so convicted, sen- 
tenced and imprisoned shall be expelled, except as above 
provided, no member of a lodge shall be put on trial, 
unless charges in the following general form be submitted 
to the lodge in writing, signed by two brothers: 1st. The 
general charge shall be an averment of conduct unbecom- 
ing an Odd Fellow. 2d. The specification or specifications 
on which the charge is based, shall state definitely the 
offense and the time, place and circumstances connected 
with the alleged offense or offenses, and each offense- 
alleged shall be the subject of a separate specification. 

Clause 3. When charges are preferred against a mem- 
ber they shall be read in full by the secretary, when the 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 223 

N. G. will decide (subject to appeal to the lodge) whether 
they are in accordance with the general provisions of the 
preceding clause. If the charges are held to be improper 
in form they shall be returned to the brother presenting 
them; but if they are held to be in proper form the secre- 
tary shall enter them in full on the record, and transmit a 
certified copy by registered letter to the brother accused, 
and at the same time notify him to be present at the next 
regular meeting of the lodge, at which time the N. G. 
shall, under the head of unfinished business, appoint a com- 
mittee of trial, to consist of five (5) members, who shall be 
appointed, if possible, from among those who have at- 
tained the same or a higher degree than the accused, and 
such committee or any member thereof may be challenged 
for reasons given by either party interested, or their coun- 
sel. If any member or members of the committee are ob- 
jected to, the lodge shall hear the parties interested, and 
determine by a majority of votes whether the member or 
members objected to shall be confirmed as members of the 
comm'ttee. The committee being appointed and con- 
firmed, the secretary shall furnish the first named member 
of the committee with the original copy of the charges, 
certified and under seal, together with a list of the members 
of the committee. He shall also notify each member of 
the committee of his appointment and furnish the ac- 
cused a list of the committee of trial. Should the by-laws 
so provide the minority of the committee will be appointed 
by the V. G. 

Clause 4. The committee on trial shall organize, notify 
the parties, proceed with, and conduct the trial in accord- 
ance with the code for trials. Having concluded the trial and 
agreed upon a report, they will submit it to the lodge, and 
if not involving suspension or expulsion, and if no appeal 
be taken from their decision, it shall be final, without ac- 
tion of the lodge. Should the committee deem it neces- 
sary to expel or suspend the accused, they shall submit a 



224 GENERAL LAWS. 

resolution for that purpose to the lodge for action. Within 
three days after the report of the committee is presented 
to the lodge, the secretary shall present or transmit to the 
accusers and accused a copy thereof. If transmitted by 
mail it shall be by registered letter. 

Clause 5. When a trial committee submits a resolution 
for the suspension or expulsion of the accused for con- 
tempt, it shall be competent for the accused to appear 
before the lodge at any regular meeting before final action 
is taken, at the time designated in Clause 6 of this section 
and purge himself of contempt by affirming that his fail- 
ure to appear before the committee to answer to the charge 
was occasioned by his not receiving notice of time and place, 
or not receiving it in time, or from some other cause be- 
yond his control, and that he desires to appear before the 
committee and make answer to the charge against him. 
In which event the case shall be re-committed to the com- 
mittee and they shall proceed to. hear and determine the 
case as if the accused had appeared at the first citation. 
When the committee report that the accusers failed to 
appear and prosecute the charge at the time designated, 
the report shall lie upon the table for two weeks or until 
the second meeting after its presentation, at which time 
the charge shall be dismissed, unless the accusers shall 
appear before the lodge and object on the ground that 
their failure to appear before the committee and prosecute 
the charge was occasioned by not receiving notice of time 
and place, or not receiving it in time, or from some other 
cause beyond their control, and that they desire to appear 
and prosecute the charge, in which event the case shall be 
recommitted to the committee, and they shall proceed to 
hear and determine it the same as if the accusers had ap- 
peared at the first citation. 

Clause 6. When a motion for expulsion or suspension 
of a brother shall have been submitted in due form, it shall 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 225 

be announced at two regular meetings previous to the 
action being taken, and shall be acted on at the second 
regular meeting after its presentation, and the secretary- 
shall in writing, and under seal, summon the accused to 
be present at such meeting, at which time, whether the 
accused be present or not, the lodge shall proceed under 
the head of unfinished business to consider and determine 
it. If the accused or accusers be present either in person 
or by counsel, they shall be fully heard in the order named; 
and the committee shall also be heard, and at the request 
of any member, the evidence taken before the committee 
shall be read in whole or in part, as desired. The parties 
having been fully heard, and the discussion closed, the 
accused brother shall withdraw from the lodge, and the 
members shall proceed to ballot without further debate, 
the vote to be upon the resolution presented by the trial 
committee, "yes" or "no," by printed or written ballots. 
Two-thirds of all the members present, and entitled to 
vote, voting in favor of the resolution, it shall be adopted. 
But if the resolution fail to receive the necessary two-thirds 
vote, the lodge shall immediately proceed to vote on the 
next order of punishment, and continue until the neces- 
sary vote is received, or the order of punishment gone 
through with, and a failure to impose any of the orders of 
punishment shall be an acquittal. If the vote be in favor 
of suspension, the lodge shall immediately by resolution 
fix the duration of the same, which must be for a definite 
period not exceeding one year, and the penalty of suspen- 
sion or expulsion shall take immediate effect. An appeal 
to the Grand Lodge shall be a stay of proceedings in case 
the penalty is a reprimand or fine. 

Clause 7. The orders of punishment shall be expul- 
sion, suspension or reprimand and, where the by-laws so 
provide, fine. The first two shall only be imposed by a 
two-thirds vote, the last two by a majority vote, in all 
cases to be by ballot. 
15 



226 



GENERAL LAWS. 



Clause 8. When the report of a trial committee (not 
involving expulsion or suspension, and which under the 
provisions of Clause 4 of this section is final without ac- 
tion on the part of the lodge unless appealed from) , is not 
satisfactory to either the accusers or the accused, either of 
said parties shall have the right of appeal to the lodge pro- 
vided such appeal is presented at the first regular meeting 
after the report of the trial committee is received by the 
lodge. At the time of hearing the appeal, which shall be 
at the first regular meeting of the lodge after its presenta- 
tion, the trial committee shall present to the lodge in writ- 
ing the grounds on which their decision was based. The 
evidence presented before the trial committee shall be 
read to the lodge in full, and the parties shall be fully 
heard by the lodge in the following order: Appellant, 
trial committee, and any other parties in interest. The. 
parties having been fully heard, the lodge shall determine 
the correctness of the decision of the trial committee by a 
majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote. 
The question being "Shall the finding and judgment of 
the trial committee stand as the decision of the lodge?" 
The vote to be by printed or written ballots. "Yes" or 
"No." In cases where the trial committee hold the 
charges sustained, and impose a penalty of reprimand or 
fine, a failure to sustain the finding and judgment of the 
trial committee shall be an acquittal. But in cases where 
the trial committee hold the charge not sustained, a fail- 
ure to sustain the finding and judgment of the trial com- 
mittee shall be a reversal of such finding and judgment 
and a conviction of the accused, in which case the lodge 
shall at once proceed to fix the penalty, in the manner pre- 
scribed in Clause 6 of this section, voting first upon the 
highest penalty, expulsion. In cases where the trial com- 
mittee have dismissed the charge on the ground that the 
alleged offense or offenses are not within the legal juris- 
diction of the lodge, or that the complaint contained in 
the specifications is frivolous, a failure to sustain the dc- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 227 

cision of the trial committee shall be a reversal of such 
decision, and the charge and specifications shall be recom- 
mitted to the trial committee and they shall proceed to 
hear and determine them. 

Clause 9. When the lodge shall have taken final, action 
upon the report of the trial committee, the secretary shall 
at once notify the accused brother of the result of such 
action, and any brother feeling aggrieved by the decision 
of the lodge against him, may, within 90 days after being 
informed of such decision, give notice to the lodge of an 
appeal to the Grand Lodge, which appeal shall be taken 
and disposed of in the manner prescribed in Art. 4 of the 
by-laws of the Grand Lodge. And a brother expelled, 
and his expulsion reversed and set aside by the Grand 
Lodge, on appeal thereto as illegal, shall not be liable for 
dues or other pecuniary charges during the time he was 
deprived of his membership in the Order by the illegal 
action of his lodge unless the order of reversal of such ex- 
pulsion shall provide in terms that the member so adjudged 
to be illegally expelled, shall be liable for the whole, or any 
portion of the dues, which may have accrued aganist him, 
in which case the member shall be liable for the whole, 
or such portion of such accrued dues as the order of re- 
versal shall provide. 

Clause 10. Any brother having been expelled, notice 
thereof shall be sent to all lodges in the vicinity, and a 
brother who has been legally expelled shall not be again 
admitted to membership without the consent of the lodge 
expelling and the Grand Master. 

Clause 11. AVhen a person who has been regularly ex- 
pelled from the Order desires to be readmitted to member- 
ship therein such expelled member may present a peti- 
tion to that effect, to the lodge expelling, when such lodge 
shall refer the application to a committee of three, who 



228 GENERAL LAWS. 

shall investigate and report as to the propriety of readmit- 
ting to membership such applicant. Upon the report of 
the committee, the applicant shall be balloted for under 
the provisions of Clause 3, Sec. 1 of Art. 2 of these laws. 
If the ballot be favorable to the applicant, the N. G. and 
secretary shall prepare and forward to the Grand Master a 
statement of the case, giving the cause for which the ap- 
plicant was expelled, and the reason why the lodge desires 
to readmit to membership, and asking his approval of the 
action of the lodge, and consent to the readmission to 
membership of such applicant. If the Grand Master ap- 
prove the action of the lodge, and grant the consent asked, 
the applicant, upon the payment of not less than $5.00, 
and signing the constitution, shall become a member of 
the lodge, and shall be entitled to such rank in the lodge 
as he held previous to expulsion. If the ballot above pro- 
vided for should be unfavorable to the applicant, or the 
Grand Master disapprove the action of the lodge and re- 
fuse his consent to the readmission of the applicant, he 
shall be so informed, and his petition shall not be again 
received for the space of six months. Applicants for re- 
admission under the provisions of this clause are subject 
to the provisions of Clause 1, Sec. 1 of this Article, prohib- 
iting the admission of saloon-keepers, bartenders or profes- 
sional gamblers. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sec. 1. 

Clause 1. Of officers — elective and appointed officers. 

The elective officers of a lodge shall consist of N. G., V. G., 
Secretary and Treasurer, and when the by-laws so provide, 
a Financial Secretary, who shall serve a regular term each, 
except the Financial Secretary, who shall serve for one 
year: Provided, however, That lodges may -at their dis- 
cretion, by provision of their by-laws, fix the term of ser- 
vice of the Recording Secretary and Treasurer, or either 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 229 

of them, at one year, in which ease the term of service of 
such officer or officers shall be one year. 

Clause 2. The appointed officers shall consist of a W., 
C, I. G., O. G., R. S. N. G., L. S. N. G., R. S. V. G., L. S. 
V. G , and R. and L. S. S., who shall serve a regular term 
each; and the N. G. may at his option appoint a chaplain. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause i. Duties of officers. The duties of the various 
officers shall be as laid down in the charges of their offices, 
and as specified by these Articles and the by-laws of the 
lodge. 

Clause 2. A Financial Secretary, when one has been 
chosen by the lodge, shall take charge of the accounts be- 
tween the lodge and its members; and make out the an- 
nual report for the Grand Lodge required by Clause 2, 
Sec. 2, Art. 4; but the Recording Secretary shall record the 
proceedings and perform all other duties of the office. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Elections, etc. To be eligible to the chair of 
Noble Grand a brother must have served a term as Vice 
Grand, and to be eligible to the chair of Vice Grand a 
brother must have served a term in some elective or ap- 
pointive office. And any brother who shall have been 
elected or appointed to fill a vacancy in any office, and 
shall have served a majority of the remaining nights of 
the term and to the end thereof, shall be deemed to have 
served a full term in such office, except as herein provided 
as to the Noble Grand and Vice Grand. Any Scarlet De- 
gree member in good standing is eligible to any office in 
the lodge. 

In case of a vacancy in the office of Noble Grand or Vice 



230 GENERAL LAWS. 

Grand and all qualified brothers refusing to accept either 
of said offices, a Scarlet Degree member who has not ren- 
dered the services herein required, may be nominated and 
elected to fill the office vacant: Provided, That no such 
election shall take place until a dispensation authorizing 
such action be first received from the Grand Master. 

Clause 2. Nominations for the elective offices shall be 
made only on the two meetings immediately preceding 
that of the elections, except when the nominees for an office 
all decline. 

Clause 3. All officers shall be eligible to re-election. 

Clause 4. The elective officers, except Financial Sec- 
retary, shall be elected at the first regular meeting of the 
lodge in the months of June and December of each year, 
except, however, that in lodges, where, under the provi- 
sions of Clause 1, Sec. 1 of this Article the by-laws fix the 
term of service of the Recording Secretary and Treasurer, 
or either of them, at one year, in which case the election 
of such officer or officers shall take place at the first regular 
meeting in December of each year, and the installation at 
the same time as the other officers in January following. 
The installation of officers shall take place at the first 
regular meetings in July and January. The election of Fi- 
nancial Secretary (when one is provided for by the by- 
laws) shall take place at the first regular meeting in De- 
cember of each year. When, at the time of election, there 
is more than one nominee for an office, the voting shall be 
by printed or written ballots, and a majority of the valid 
votes cast shall be necessary to elect. Should no candi- 
date have such majority on the first ballot the candidate 
having the smallest number of votes shall be dropped at 
the next ballot, and so on at each successive ballot until an 
election is had. Blank balots and ballots other than those 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 231 

cast for candidates in regular nomination shall be deemed 
invalid and shall be excluded from the count. When there 
is but one candidate in nomination for an office, the elec- 
tion may take place on motion. 

Clause 5. Any officer absenting himself for more than 
three successive meetings, his seat may be declared vacant 
by a vote of the lodge. Any office becoming vacant shall 
be filled by a person who was eligible thereto on the com- 
mencement of the term during which the vacancy oc- 
curred. Nominations to fill vacancies shall be made only 
on the meeting previous to election. Except in cases 
where all brothers nominated on the meeting night pre- 
vious to election decline, when further nominations may be 
made and the election take place at the same meeting. 
Officers so elected and serving shall alone receive the hon- 
ors of such office for the term. 

Clause 6. At the first regular meeting in June of each 
year, the lodge shall elect from among the Past Grands 
who are in good standing and who have been nominated 
as required by the provisions of this clause such number of 
representatives to the Grand Lodge as the lodge may be 
entitled to under the law of that Grand Body and at the 
same time shall elect an alternate for each representative, 
and in cases where the lodge is entitled to more than one 
representative the alternate first elected shall be the alter- 
nate of the representative first elected, and the alternate 
elected second shall be the alternate of the representative 
elected second. 

Such representatives and alternates shall serve for one 
year from the opening of the Grand Lodge on the third 
Tuesday in October ensuing. Nominations for such repre- 
sentatives to take place only at the two regular meetings 
previous to the night of election. Alternates to be elected 
immediately after the election of such representatives as 



232 GENERAL LAWS. 

the lodge may be entitled to, and from the candidates in 
nomination for representatives: Provided, That in case 
there is no candidate in nomination for representative at 
the time of the election of such alternates, then, and in 
such case the nomination and election may take place at 
the same meeting; it being the regular night of election. 
All elections under the provisions of this clause shall be 
held under the provisions of Clause 4 of this section as to 
the election of lodge officers. 

Should a vacancy occur in the representation to the 
Grand Lodge by reason of the death, resignation or dis- 
qualification of the representative or alternate elect, the 
lodge shall fill such vacancy by the nomination and elec- 
tion of a Past Grand in good standing who was a Past 
Grand at the time of the election of the representative or 
alternate whose vacancy is to be filled. The fact that a 
Past Grand is an alternate elect shall be. no bar to his 
nomination and election as a representative to fill vacancy. 

Clause 7. A Board of Control to be known as the Board 
of Control of the Odd Fellows' Home shall be elected at this 
session of the Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly, con- 
sisting of seven members, four of whom shall be elected 
by the Grand Lodge and the remaining three by said Re- 
bekah Assembly, for the following terms of office: The 
four to be elected by the Grand Lodge shall be elected as 
follows: One for the term of two years, one for the term 
of three years, one for the term of four years and one for 
the term of five years; and annually thereafter, as their 
terms expire, one for the term of four years. The three 
members to be elected, from the Rebekah Assembly at this 
session shall be elected, one for the term of two years, one 
for the term of three years, and one for the term of four 
years; and annually thereafter, as their terms expire, one 
for the term of three years ; said members of said board so 
elected shall serve until their successors are elected. In 




GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 233 

case a vacancy should at any time occur on said board said 
vacancy shall be filled by appointment: the Grand Master 
to make the appointment if the vacancy shall occur among 
those elected from the Grand Lodge and the President of 
the Rebekah Assembly to make the appointment if the 
vacancy shall occur among those elected from the Re- 
bekah Assembly (provided, that the appointment made 
by the President of the Rebekah Assembly shall be ap- 
proved by the Grand Master). 

Xote. — The word "session" in the second line of this 
clause refers to the session of 1901. 

Clause 8. The officers of said board shall consist of a 
president, vice president, secretary and treasurer; said 
officers to be elected immediately after the election of 
said board, who shall hold their office until the first Wed- 
nesday after the third Tuesday in October, 1902, on which 
date the annual election of the officers of said board shall 
be held. 

Clause 9. The said Board of Control shall be charged 
with the promotion, location and management of an Odd 
Fel ows' Home in the State of Michigan, and shall be 
vested with such powers as shall be in harmony with the 
laws of the Order ; the general purpose of this Grand Lodge 
being to own, carry on and conduct a home for children 
and widows and orphans of deceased Odd Fellows, and for 
aged and indigent Odd Fellows; to operate farms, gardens 
and orchards, to receive contributions and to make such 
gifts as shall be provided by the by-laws which said board 
of control shall adopt, subject to the approval of this 
Grand Lodge. 

Clause 10. The funds for the purchase of a site for said 
Odd Fellows' Home and for the building, maintenance 
and management of the said home shall be provided for 



234 GENERAL LAWS. 

and raised by a per capita tax to be levied upon the mem- 
bers of each subordinate and Rebekah lodge under the 
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and the Rebekah Assem- 
bly, said per capita tax to be levied semi-annually and 
at the same time and in the same manner as the regular 
per capita tax of said subordinate and Rebekah lodges, 
for the support of the Grand Lodge and said Rebekah 
Assembly is now raised: Provided, The said Board of 
Control shall be authorized to accept any contributions 
or donations which may be at any time made for the bene- 
fit of said Home ; and, provided further, that the amount 
of per capita shall not exceed the sum of fifty cents per an- 
num upon each member of each subordinate lodge, and 
the sum of twenty-five cents per annum upon each mem- 
ber of each Rebekah lodge. The funds so raised shall be 
known and designated as the Odd Fellows' Home Fund, 
and shall rest in the hands of the treasurer of the Grand 
Lodge and the treasurer of the Rebekah Assembly, and 
shall be disbursed by and through said Board of Control 
upon warrants issued by said board, signed by its presi- 
dent and countersigned by the secretary. The treasurer 
of said Board of Control shall give bonds, and in such 
amount as the Grand Lodge shall direct, and the treasurer 
of this Grand Lodge and the treasurer of the Rebekah 
Assembly shall give such additional bonds as this Grand 
Lodge shall require and direct. When the amount of 
money in the hands of the treasurer of the Board of Con- 
trol shall exceed the sum of five hundred dollars all sums 
of money in excess thereof shall be paid over to the treas- 
urer of this Grand Lodge. 

Clause ii. The Board of Control shall make an annual 
report through its secretary to the Grand Lodge and Re- 
bekah Assembly of all receipts, disbursements and official 
action for the year and said report shall be made a part of 
and published with annual Journal of proceedings of this 
Grand Lodge and Rebekah Assembly. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 235 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sec. i. Terms and Returns. 

Clause i. Terms. Regular annual terms shall com- 
mence on the first regular meeting in January, and the 
regular semi-annual terms shall commence on the first 
regular meetings in July and January of each year; and 
all terms shall end on the day on which the succeeding 
ones commence. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause i. Returns. It shall be the duty of the lodge 
to forward to the Grand Lodge at the end of each term a 
report of the work of the term in accordance with the re- 
quirements of the blanks for such reports furnished by the 
Grand Lodge. Such reports shall be prepared by the 
Recording Secretary and shall be attested by the signa- 
ture of the Noble Grand and Recording Secretary with the 
seal of the lodge attached. 

Clause 2. In addition to the semi-annual report at the 
end of each term required by the preceding clause of this 
section, the lodge shall also forward to the Grand Lodge 
an annual report up to the 31st day of December of each 
year. Such report shall contain such information as is 
called for by the blanks for such reports furnished by the 
Grand Lodge, and such annual report shall be prepared 
by the Financial Secretary, or in case the lodge has no such 
officer, then by the Secretary, and shall be attested by the 
signature of the Noble Grand, and Recording Secretary, 
with the seal of the lodge attached. 

Clause 3. The above mentioned reports to the Grand 
Lodge shall be delivered to the D. D. G. M. previous to in- 
stallation and the dues forwarded to the Grand Secretary, 
and any lodge that shall fail to have its reports (or evidence 



236 GENERAL LAWS. 

that such reports were delivered to the installing officer 
previous to installation) and all moneys due the Grand 
Lodge in the hands of the Grand Secretary at least four 
(4) weeks previous to the opening of the annual session on 
the third Tuesday in October shall not be entitled to rep- 
resentation at such session. If there is no D. D. G. M. the 
report shall be forwarded to the Grand Secretary with the 
dues. 

Sec. 3. 

Clause 1. Forfeiture of charter. Should a lodge fail 
to make its returns, as required by the second section of 
this Article, for two successive terms, it shall thereby for- 
feit its charter and become extinct; and it shall become 
the duty of the last installed officers to transmit or sur- 
render to the Grand Secretary (or such other brother as 
may be appointed by the Grand Lodge to receive them) 
the charter, books, papers, furniture and funds of the 
lodge. 

ARTICLE V. 

Sec. 1. Degrees. 

Clause 1. Eligibility for degrees. Brothers shall be eli- 
gible to degrees one week after initiation, but not more 
than one degree shall be conferred on a brother at the same 
meeting unless the most urgent necessity is proven, such 
necessity to be determined by the lodge. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause 1. Rates of degrees. No degree shall be bal- 
loted for until the applicant shall have paid the amount 
required therefor, which shall not be less than three dol- 
lars for each degree: Provided, That, until the first day 
of July, 1882, subordinate lodges may confer any or all of 
said degrees on brothers now in membership, or who may 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 237 

become members previous to the first day of April, 1882, 
upon the payment of such amount as the lodges may sev- 
erally determine (any provision of their by-laws to the 
contrary notwithstanding) ; but no member taking any 
or all the degrees under the conditions of this proviso, at 
such reduced rates, shall be entitled to claim any addi- 
tional pecuniary benefits over and above the amount al- 
lowed by the by-laws of his lodge to members of the degree 
from which he has been advanced, at such reduced rates; 
but if at a subsequent time, he shall pay into the treasury 
of his lodge such additional sum as will make up the full 
amount charged by the by-laws of his lodge for the de- 
grees, he shall thereafter be considered and become a full 
benefit member. 

Note. — So much of this clause as follows the word "Pro- 
vided" in the fourth line down to and including the word 
"notwithstanding" in the tenth line being by the lapse 
of time obsolete, the provision is still retained in said 
clause because the remainder of said provision defines the 
rights of brothers as to sick benefits, who received the de- 
grees at a reduced rate under the provisions of the proviso, 
and also their rights as to making further payments. 

Clause 2. "When proper application is made for de- 
grees, it shall be announced and the ballot taken on the 
night the application is made and when the lodge is open 
in the third or Scarlet Degree, where two black balls will 
cause the applicant to be rejected. When an applicant 
for degrees is rejected, his application shall not again be 
received until after the expiration of three months. 

Clause 3. A brother having been elected to receive a 
degree has a vested right to have such degree conferred 
upon him. But if previous to such degree being con- 
ferred, charges are preferred against such brother in legal 
form, or a notice served upon the lodge that charges would 



238 GENERAL LAWS. 

be preferred at the .next regular meeting, in which latter 
event the conferring the degree upon the brother shall be 
deferred until after the next regular meeting, when if the 
charges are not preferred the degrees shall be conferred. 
When charges are preferred the conferring of the degree 
shall N be deferred until a final disposition of the charges, 
when if the brother is acquitted the degree shall be con- 
ferred, but if the brother is convicted the lodge may by a 
twc-thirds vote reconsider his election to receive such 
degree. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Sec. i. Amendments and By-Laws. 

Clause i. Amendments. When doubts arise of the 
true meaning of any parts of these Articles it shall be de- 
termined by the Grand Lodge. 

Clause 2. No alteration or amendment shall be made 
to these General Laws, except by motion or resolution, 
submitted in writing, at a regular session of the Grand 
Lodge, nor unless such motion or resolution assume upon 
its face to make such alteration or amendment, and state 
distinctly the Clause, Section and Article to be effected, 
when such alteration or amendment may be adopted by a 
majority vote of the members present. 

Sec. 2. 

Clause i. By-laws. Lodges shall stand fully vested 
with power to adopt such by-laws and resolutions, from 
time to time, as may be deemed expedient, provided they 
do not in anywise contravene any part of these Articles, 
the laws or the constitution of the Grand Lodge or laws 
and principles of the Order and all by-laws or amend- 
ments to by-laws upon their adoption shall at once be for- 
warded in .duplicate to the chairman of the commitee on 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 239 

by-laws for examination and approval, and such by-laws 
or amendments to by-laws shall be accompanied by a cer- 
tificate under seal of the lodge that such by-laws or amend- 
ments were duly and regularly adopted, and neither by- 
laws or amendments to by-laws are of any force or effect 
until approved by the committee or by the Grand Lodge 
on appeal thereto, except as provided in Sec. 10, Art. 2 of 
the by-laws of the Grand Lodge. On notice of approval 
they at once become operative. 



CODE OF RULES 

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF COMMITTEES 



IN THE 



TRIAL OF MEMBERS ON CHARGES 



DULY PREFERRED. 



16 



CODE OF RULES 
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF COMMITTEES 

IN THE 
TRIAL OF MEMBERS ON CHARGES DULY PREFERRED 



Rule i. The member of the commitee first appointed 
and receiving the original copy of the charge and speci- 
fications, acting as temporary chairman, shall within one 
week call a meeting of the committee, at which meeting 
the committee shall be organized and a chairman and sec- 
retary elected. The committee shall then appoint a suit- 
able time and place, not more than two weeks distant, 
for an adjourned meeting, and officially summon the com- 
plainant and the defendant at not less than one week's 
notice, to appear, prepared to proceed with the trial. (See 
forms F. and G.) 

Rule 2. The official notification provided for in Rule i 
shall be served on the parties named by the secretary of the 
committee, either by personal service, or leaving it at the 
residence of the party, or by transmitting it to him through 
the mail, properly addressed. At the meeting of the com- 
mittee following such notice the secretary shall make re- 
turn of the service of such notice, and how served, and 
such return shall be entered upon the minutes of the 
committee. 

Rule 3. It shall be competent for either party to ap- 
pear by counsel, provided the counsel be a member of the 
Order in good standing. 



244 CODE OF RULES. 

Rule 4. Should the accused, having been duly notified 
of time and place, neglect or refuse to appear before the 
committee of trial at the time designated, the committee 
shall in the exercise of a reasonable discretion report him 
guilty of contempt to the lodge and submit a resolution 
for his expulsion. Should either party at the time desig- 
nated by the committee for the hearing of the case ask 
for a continuance, the committee may, if they deem the 
reasons given therefor sufficient, grant such continuance, 
which must be to a day and place certain. 

Rule 5. At the adjourned meeting of the committee 
appointed for the hearing of the case, the accusers and ac- 
cused being present, the charge and specifications shall 
be read to the accused and he shall be required to make 
answer to each specification on which the charge is based. 
He may plead either of the following answers: 

1 st. That the alleged offense is not within the 
legal jurisdiction of the lodge. 

2d. That the offense charged in the specifica- 
tion is frivolous. 

3d. Admit the facts stated with the intent to 
justify the alleged offense. 
4th. Guilty 
5th. Not guilty. 

Rule 6. When the accused shall plead either the first 
or second answers above mentioned (want of jurisdiction 
or frivolousness) and move that a specification be stricken 
out, the committee shall hear the parties and then dismiss 
them from the room, and at once consider and decide the 
motion. If the motion is denied, the accused shall then 
be required to plead either the third, fourth or fifth an- 
swers above set forth; and should he refuse to plead, he 
shall be held to be guilty of contempt the same as if he had 
refused to appear, and the committee shall proceed as di- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 245 

rected in Rule 4. Should the committee strike out a 
specification, under the provisions of this Rule, no further 
proceedings shall be taken under such specification, and 
should all the specifications on which a charge is based be 
stricken out, the committee shall within one week make 
report of the same to the lodge. 

Rule 7. When the accused shall plead the third answer 
named in Rule 3 — i. e., admit the facts stated with at- 
tempt to justify — and offers evidence to sustain the an- 
swer, the committee will first receive the evidence tending 
to establish justification, and afterwards the evidence of 
the prosecution in rebuttal thereof. 

Rule 8. If the accused shall plead guilty to a specifi- 
cation, no evidence shall be taken on such specification, 
and if he shall plead guilty to all of the specifications on 
which the charge is based, then the committee will hear 
the parties (the accused first) as to the penalty to be im- 
posed. After the hearing, the parties shall be dismissed, 
when the committee shall consider and decide upon the 
penalty to be imposed, after which they shall prepare their 
report under the provisions of Rule 12. 

Rule 9. When the accused enters a plea of not guilty 
to a specification or specifications, the issues of fact shall 
be tried. The committee will require the accusers to pre- 
sent all the evidence they have to offer to sustain the 
specification or specifications to which the accused has 
pleaded not guilty. The evidence shall be received in ac- 
cordance with the rules governing evidence and witnesses 
contained in this Code from Rule 13 to Rule 19 inclusive 
of both, and when concluded, the accusers shall rest their 
case. 

Rule 10. Previous to the presentation of the evidence 



246 CODE OF RULES. 

for the defense, the accused may raise either of the follow- 
ing points, and move that the charge and specifications be 
dismissed, viz.: 

i st. That evidence presented by the prosecu- 
tion shows that the lodge has no legal jurisdiction 
of the offense charged in the specifications. 

2d. That the evidence shows the charge to be 
frivolous. 

3d. That the evidence does not sustain the charge. 

When either of the foregoing points are raised, the com- 
mittee will hear the parties with reference thereto, and 
then dismiss them from the room, and at once proceed to 
consider and decide the motion. Should the motion be 
sustained, the parties will be notified and the committee 
will prepare the report. Should it be denied, the defense 
will be required to present their evidence in full. This be- 
ing concluded, the accusers will have the right to intro- 
duce testimony to disapprove or rebut any portion of the 
testimony presented by the defense, but shall not have 
the right to introduce any new testimony except with the 
consent of the committee ; and when such consent is given 
the defense shall have the right to introduce forther tes- 
mony, and the prosecution may again rebut. With the 
consent of the committee the defense may be allowed to 
introduce new testimony after the first rebuttal by the 
prosecution. When this is allowed the prosecution may 
again introduce evidence in rebuttal.* 

Rule 11. When the evidence shall have been all sub- 
mitted, the parties may, if they desire, review the law and 
the evidence in the case (the defendant being first heard), 
or they may submit the case to the committee without 

* While justice requires that each party should be allowed to 
introduce all competent testimony, yet the committee should ex- 
ercise a sound discretion with regard to the introduction of new 
testimony to either party to the issue, after once resting the case 
on that side. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 247 

argument. The parties will then be dismissed, and the 
committee will confer in private until a conclusion is 
reached on each specification, and determine whether it is 
sustained by the evidence or not sustained by the evi- 
dence. If the committee determine that one or more of 
the specifications are sustained, they shall then determine 
whether the charge as a whole is thereby sustained; and 
if they determine that the charge is sustained, they shall 
then consider and determine as to the penalty to be im- 
posed for the offense, after which they shall proceed to 
make out their report to the lodge as provided in Rule 12. 

Rule 12. The committee in their report shall state the 
finding on each specification and on the charge, and if the 
charge is sustained, they shall recommend a penalty for 
the offense, and they shall also submit a resolution to 
carry the recommendation into effect; but if they deter- 
mine that the charge is not sustained, they shall submit 
a recommendation that the charge be dismissed. The re- 
port of the committee shall be accompanied by an accu- 
rate record of their proceedings and rulings, and a copy 
of all evidence received during the trial, and it shall be 
presented to the lodge within two weeks after the dismissal 
of the parties. When a minority report is made, it shall 
be drawn up and presented in a similar manner. 

Sec. 2. 

Rule 13. Witnesses and evidence. The evidence com- 
petent to be admitted before the'committee of trial shall be : 

1st. Parol evidence (i. e., testimony of living wit- 
nesses personally present). 

2d. Depositions taken in accordance with the 
law of the Order as contained in Rule 19. 

3d. Minutes of the lodge. 

4th. Documentary evidence. 

5th. Depositions of persons not members of the 



248 CODE OF RULES. 

Order, whose personal presence cannot be procured 
before the committee, such depositions to be taken 
before an officer qualified to administer oaths: Pro- 
vided, That the opposite party shall have had due 
notice of the time and place of taking such deposi- 
tion and opportunity to be present and cross-ex- 
amine the witnesses, or if the deposition is to be 
taken at a place other than the residence of the oppo- 
site party, then such party shall have been furnished 
with the questions to be asked of the witness, in 
sufficient time to enable him to attach thereto 
counter interrogatories which must be answered by 
the witness, or the deposition shall not be received. 
Either the accusers or accused may be allowed to 
testify. Hearsay evidence shall not be received. 
The committee shall determine as to the admissibility 
of the evidence offered, subject to objection and 
exception by either party, and all exceptions taken 
shall be noted on the minutes of the committee. 

Rule 14. When a witness who is personally present be- 
fore the committee is a member of the Order, he shallbe 
qualified as follows: "You do solemnly promise and de- 
clare under your obligation as an Odd Fellow that the evi- 
dence you shall give in the matter of the charge against 

Brother , now pending before this 

committee, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing 
but the truth." 

A witness who is not a member of the Order may be 
allowed to testify on his or her affirmation of honor, and 
shall be qualified as follows : 

"You do solemnly and sincerely affirm on your honor 
that the evidence you shall give in the matter of the charges 
against Brother now pending before 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 24& 

this committee, shall be truth, the whole truth and nothing 
but the truth." 

Such witness shall not be allowed to be present during 
the trial, except while giving testimony. 

Rule 15. The attendance of witnesses must be procured 
by the party desiring their evidence: Provided, That 
either party desiring the attendance, as a witness of a 
member of the Order who declines or neglects to attend, 
may notify the Noble Grand of the lodge to which witness 
belongs that he desires the attendance of such brother as a 
witness before a committee on charge, stating time and 
place. Upon receiving such notice the Noble Grand of 
the lodge to which the brother belongs shall at once cause 
him to be summoned, under seal of the lodge, to attend 
at the time and place designated to give evidence in the 
case. 

Rule 16. The direct examination of a witness shall be 
conducted by the party whose witness he is, or by his coun- 
sel; and the cross-examination by the opposing party or 
his counsel. 

Rule 17. The minutes of a lodge as contained in its 
record book, when offered in evidence, must, if challenged 
by either party, be proven by the Noble Grand or Record- 
ing Secretary of the lodge. Extracts from the minutes of 
a lodge must be authenticated by the seal of the lodge and 
the signature of the Recording Secretary. 

Rule 18. When letters or other documents bearing the 
signature of either party are offered in evidence, their au- 
thenticity must be acknowledged or proven by parol 
evidence. Extracts from the record of a court of law must 
be authenticated in conformity with the rules of such court. 



250 CODE OF RULES. 

Rule 19. When either party desires the testimony of a 
member of the Order whose personal presence cannot be 
procured before the committee, he shall proceed in the 
manner prescribed by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, to wit: 

"The party desiring to take the deposition shall file with 
the secretary of the lodge the interrogatories he wishes 
propounded to the witnesses, naming them. The secre- 
tary shall immediately deliver or cause to be delivered to 
the opposite party a copy of the interrogatories. The lat- 
ter party, within one week of such service, may file counter 
or cross-interrogatories with the secretary if he think 
proper. At the expiration of a week, or sooner if counter- 
interrogatories are sooner filed, the secretary shall forth- 
with forward them to the Noble Grand of a lodge near the 
witness, with a communication requesting him to take 
the deposition of the witness, or witnesses named. The 
Noble Grand receiving such interrogatories shall, as soon 
as possible, take, or cause the deposition of the witnesses 
named to be taken by some competent member of the Or- 
der, causing every interrogatory to be put to the witness 
or witnesses, and the answer to each to be reduced to 
writing in the presence of the witness and when the deposi- 
tion is completed, shall cause each witness to sign the 
same; the Noble Grand, or person taking the same, shall 
certify the same to be correctly taken, and such certificate 
shall then be verified by the seal of the lodge. The deposi- 
tion shall then be sealed in an envelope and transmitted by 
mail to the lodge before which the trial or proceeding is 
pending. Depositions thus taken may be read in evidence 
in the cause or proceedings to which they relate." 

Sec. 3. 

Rule 20. Rules governing the committee. A majority 
of a trial committee shall constitute a quorum and be com- 
petent to proceed with the trial, and all questions requiring 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 251 

their decisions shall be determined by a majority of those 
present. 

Rub 21. When the accusers and the accused shall in 
writing request the committee to proceed with the trial in 
less time than is prescribed in Rule i, it shall be compe- 
tent for the committee to do so. 

Rule 22. The committee shall keep a correct record of 
their proceedings which must show: 

i st. The date and place of each meeting and the 
parties present. 

2d. The defendant's answer to each specification on 
which the charge is based. 

3d. All points raised and the decisions thereon, 
and the exceptions taken by either party to such de- 
cisions. 

4th. Parol testimony in full by question and an- 
swer. 

5th. Documentary evidence, marked in the order 
of its reception. 

6th. Finding of the committee on each specifica- 
tion on which the charge is based, and on the charge, 
and when the charge is sustained, the decision of the 
committee as to the penalty to be imposed. 

Rule 23. The report of the committee to the lodge must 
be signed by not less than three members. A member of 
the committee who has not been present during the trial 
may affix his signature to the report. 



252 CODE OF RULES. 

FORMS. 

Form A. — Charges and Specifications. 
To Lodge, No.. . . ., I. 0. 0. F.: 

The undersigned members in good standing in 

Lodge, No , do hereby charge Brother 

of Lodge, No 

with conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow; the grounds of 
such charge being fully set forth in the following specifi- 
cations, to wit: 

Specification i. — That the above named Brother 

. . . is guilty as charged in this: That on or 

about the day of 19 ... . (here 

state definitely the offense and the place and cricumstances 
under which it was committed, and when more than one 
offense is charged, continue in the same manner with addi- 
tional specifications; each alleged offense must be set 
forth in separate specification), all of which acts, the un- 
dersigned charge, are contrary to the laws and principles 
of the Order. 

(Signed.) John Doe, 

Place date. Richard Roe. 



Form B. — Notice of Charge and Request to Appear at the- 
Time the Committee is to be Appointed. 

Brother ■ . : 

I herewith enclose you a copy of the charge and specifi- 
cations preferred against you by Brothers 

and of Lodge, No. 

, and you are hereby notified that at the next regu- 
lar meeting of this lodge a trial committee will be ap- 
pointed to hear and pass upon the case, and you are re- 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 253 

quested to be present at such meeting that you may exer- 
cise your right of challenge of any brother appointed on 
said committee. Fraternally, 

(Seal.) , Rec. Sec'y. 



Form C. — Notice to First Named Member of Committee. 

Place date. 

Brother: 

I hereby hand you as the first named member of the 
committee to whom was referred the charge and specifica- 
tions against Brother the original 

copy of the charge and specifications, duly certified. You 
will at once proceed to discharge the duties imposed on 
you by Rule i of the Code governing trial committees. 
The following named brothers compose the committee: 
G. H., J. L., K. S, N. N., O. P. 

Fraternally, 

(Seal.) , Rec. Sec'y. 



Form D. — Notice to the Accused of the Appointment of 
Committee. 

Place date. 

Brother: 

You are hereby notified that the following named 
brothers, to wit: G. H., J. L., K. S., N. N., and O. P., have 
been duly appointed and confirmed as a trial committee 
on the charges and specifications preferred against you by 
Brothers The committee will no- 
tify you of the time and place to appear and answer. 

Fraternally, 

(Seal.) , Rec. Sec'y. 



254 CODE OF RULES. 

Form E. — Notice to Members of Trial Committee. 

Place date. 

Brother : 

You are hereby notified that at the last meeting of 

Lodge, No , you were appointed 

one of the committee to try the charges preferred by 

Brothers and 

again t Brother G. H. The temporary chairman will 
notify you of the time and place of first meeting. 

Fraternally, 

(Seal.) , Rec. Sec'y- 



Form F. — By Chairman and Secretary of Committee to* 
Accused. 

Place date. 

Brother : 

You are hereby notified that the committee appointed 

to try the charges preferred against you by Brothers 

and will meet 

(here state the time and place), and you are cited to ap- 
pear before the committee at the time and place above 
stated and to make answer to the specifications, and pro- 
ceed with the trial. 

Fraternally, 

Chairman of Com. 

, Secretary. 



GRAND LODGE I. O. O. F. OF MICHIGAN. 255 

Form G. — Notice to Accusers by Chairman and Secretary of 
Committee. 

Place date. 

Brothers and : 

You are hereby notified that the committee appointed to 

try the charges preferred by you against Brother 

will meet (here state time and place), and 

you are cited to appear at the time and place above stated,, 
prepared to prosecute the same. 

Fraternally, 

Chairman of Com. 

, Secretary. 



Form H. — Report of Committee. 

Place date. 

To Lodge, No , I. 0. 0. F.: 

The undersigned committee appointed to investigate 

the charge and specifications preferred by Brothers 

and against 

Brother respectfully report: That 

they have performed the duty assigned them, and find 
(here insert the finding on each specification and on the 
charge, as required by Rule 12). We therefore recom- 
mend that Brother be (here insert 

the recommendation of the committee as to punishment, 
or if the committee hold the charge not sustained, a recom- 
mendation that the charge be dismissed. If the commit- 
tee think it necessary to expel or suspend the accused 
brother they will attach a resolution to their report for 
that purpose as follows) : 

Resolved, That Brother be and is 

hereby (expelled) or (suspended) from this lodge, and from 



256 CODE OF RULES. 

all the privileges and benefits of Odd Fellowship, for con- 
duct unbecoming an Odd Fellow.. 

The minutes of the committee, evidence taken, and the 
papers pertaining to the trial are herewith presented. 

Respectfully submitted, 



Trial Committee. 
(To be signed by at least three members of the committee.) 






STANDING RESOLUTIONS 



AND 



TELEGRAPH CODE. 



17 



STANDING RESOLUTIONS 



OF THE GRAND LODGE. 



Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be required to remit 
to the Grand Treasurer, on the first Monday in each month, 
the exact balance of the funds of this Grand Lodge then in 
his hands, and that the Grand Secretary pay out no money 
except to the Grand Treasurer. 

Resolved, That the Grand Secretary's salary be paid 
quarterly, and that warrants be drawn for the same in 
advance: 

Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be required to 
furnish the Grand Lodge, as a part of the report, a detailed 
list of the securities in his hands (at the same time pre- 
senting the securities), and that all interest collected be 
credited in amount as collected, specifying on what bonds 
or securities they are received. 

Resolved, That the Grand Secretary close his cash ac- 
count on the first Monday in October, so that he may 
have time to prepare his report to be submitted at the 
opening of the session, and that before the close of session 
a supplementary account be submitted, showing the re- 
ceipts up to date. 

Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer close his accounts 
and bring down balance immediately on receipt of remit- 
tances from Grand Secretary after first Monday in Octo- 
ber, rendering a similar supplementary report as the one 
required of the Grand Secretary. 



260 STANDING RESOLUTIONS. 

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge officers composing 
the Executive Committee, shall receive proposals for 
printing the Journal of the Grand Lodge and Grand Offi- 
cers' reports, said proposals to be opened by said commit- 
tee on the first Monday in September, and the contract 
given the lowest responsible bidder, and that the Grand 
Master, Grand Representatives, Grand Secretary and 
Grand Treasurer prepare their reports in a form to con- 
form to the printed proceedings, and deliver them to such 
printing contractor, having them in readiness for distri- 
bution at the commencement of the session of the Grand 
Lodge, to the Representatives at such session; said officers 
to submit such reports without being read in open lodge. 



TELEGRAPH CODE. 

TELEGRAPH CIPHER AND KEY. 



House — Is in our city, holding a Visiting Card from 
your Lodge, and asking of us financial assistance. 

Funds — Shall we aid him, and draw on you to the extent 
of S ? 

Cash — Is in our city asking financial assistance, and 
claims membership in your Lodge in good standing. 

River — Has your Lodge a member in good standing by 
the name of ? 

Boat — He is an expelled member, and has not been in 
good standing for . 

White — We don't know any such party, and he does 
not belong to our Lodge. 

Grip — Draw on us for the amount of expenses incurred. 

Caution — Look out for a fraud named — . 

Secretary — He has a fraudulent Card. 

Final — A member of your Lodge died here. 

Black — He is a fraud, and if he has a Card or other 
papers from this Lodge they are forgeries. 

Red — Holding a Visiting Card from your Lodge died 
here. 

Green — Wire instructions to us at once as to the dis- 
position of his remains. 



262 TELEGRAPH CODE. 

Yellow — In our city and very sick. Claims member- 
ship in your Lodge. Shall we give him attendance on 
your account? 

Purple — We think best to bury him there. 

Lodge — Forward remains to this place by . 



Regalia — Assist him and we will honor draft to the ex- 
tent of $ . 

Help — Will your Lodge pay nurse hire, and how much 
per day? 

Benefit — What sick and funeral benefit do you pay? 

Widow — Wife or child of a deceased member of your 
Lodge is in our city asking assistance. Shall we draw on 
you to the extent of $ ? 



INDEX. 



INDEX. 



Sec. 

ADJOURNMENT: 

Adjourned meeting illegal 263, 270 

Always in order 1 , 464 

Motion to take a recess to some other day or time 

illegal 264 

Until next regular meeting 2 

Without a day appointed 3 

AID: 

For the relief of a brother 4 

ANCIENT ODD FELLOW: 

Expired Withdrawal Card 5 

Holder of a Dismissal Certificate is not 129 

May be admitted as such 278 

ANNIVERSARY: 

Permission of Grand Master 6 

APPEALS: 

After action of Subordinate Lodge 7 

From decision of N. G 8 

Limit of appeal 9 

Must conform to Law 10 

Xo appeal from finding of Trial Committee 11 

To Sovereign Grand Lodge 12, 13 

APPLICATIONS FOR AID: 

Permission granted 14 

Without Seal of Grand Lodge 15 



266 INDEX. 

Sec. 

APPROPRIATIONS: 

For entertainments illegal. . . 16 

Outside of Order 17 

To brother not in good standing 18 

ASSESSMENTS: 

Authorized by By-Laws 19 

Cannot legally be made to meet deficit from an en- 
tertainment 254 

Constitute dues ■. . 20 

For special purposes 21 

Illegal .... 22 

ATTORNEY'S FEES: 

Must be authorized 23 

BALLOT: 

Announcing ballot 24 

Must be separate . . 25 

BARTENDER: 

Withdrawal Card 26 

BENEFITS: 

Attentive : 27 

Charges preferred 28 

Dependent on personal disability 29 

Depending on By-Laws 30,3! 

Disabled brother 32 

Effect of charges 33 

Effect of pension 34 

Fixed by standing when taken sick 35 

Funeral benefits 36 

In arrears when taken sick '. . . . 37 

Insanity . 38, 39 

In Subordinate Lodge and Encampment 40 

Mailing a check for dues 4 1 

Member over fifty years of age 4 2 

No application necessary '. t 43 



INDEX. 261 

Sec. 

BENEFITS— Continued : 

Non-payment of fines does not disqualify 182 

Not affected by indebtedness by note 44 

Not entitled to 45 

Paid to a county charge 46 

Payable one week after sickness '47 

Retained for dues 48 

Right to benefits 49,50 

Sickness and Insanity 51 

Taken sick while beneficial 52 

Time after payment of arrears $ 53 

To members under Degree of Truth depends on By- 
Laws 68 

Without formality of a vote 54 

When entitled to after membership 55 

BONDSMEN: 

Not members of Order 56 

BOOKS: 

Work Book not to be taken from Lodge Room. ... 57 

BORROWING MONEY FROM LODGE: 

Does not affect right to Card 58 

Not charged as dues 59 

BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS: 

Lodge has no jurisdiction 60 

BY-LAWS: 

Adoption and approval 61, 62 

Cannot be suspended 63 

Effect of approval of Committee on By-Laws 64 

Illegal 65 

Legality of 66 

Paying for Reinstatement 67 

Payment of sick benefits 68 

Power to construe 69 

Suspension of 70 



268 INDEX. 

Sec. 

CARDS— VISITING: 

Entitled to, dues being paid. 58 

For more than one year 71 

How granted 72 

Granted during recess 72 1-2 

Not leave of absence 73 

CARDS— WITHDRAWAL : 

Cannot be rescinded 74 

Granted by vote of Lodge 75 

Immediate ballot 76 

Lost in transit '. 77 

Must pay dues to date of application, not beyond. . 147 

Not a waiver of jurisdiction 78 

Not granted when in arrears 79, 80 

Not granted unless clear of charges 81 

Rights of an Initiatory Member 82 

Severs connection 83 

CERTIFICATES— OFFICIAL AND DISMISSAL: 

By whom made 84 

Entitled to 85 

Holder entitled to password 86 

Issuing Dismissal Certificates 87 

Membership Certificates in By-Laws illegal 88 

Official Certificate presented for password 89 

Signed and sealed 90 

Visiting on Official Certificate 91 

CHARGES: 

Against a Noble Grand 92 

Against the Vice Grand 93 

Committee 94 

Do not affect installation 95 

Editor of a paper 96 

Effect of charges 97 

For slander 98 

Noble Grand's position 99 

Signed by one member 100 



INDEX. 269 

COMMITTEES: 

Appointment of 101 

Investigating Committee 102, 103 

Relief Committee 104 

COMPLAINTS: 

Lodge must have notice 105 

CONSOLIDATING LODGES: 

Law 106 

New name not allowed 107 

CONTINGENT FUND: 

How acquired 108 

Purposes 109 

Law not retroactive no 

Uses of in 

CONVICTION IN CIVIL COURT: 

Expulsion 112 

DEFUNCT LODGES: 

Assigning number to new Lodge 113 

Funds and effects 114 

New Number 115 

Resuscitation of 116, 258 

DEGREES: 

Conferred by Sister Lodge 117 

Election to 118 

Eligibility 119 

Not voted for at a special meeting 120 

Previous to initiation 121 

Separate ballots 122 

Voting for 123 

DEGREE STAFF OR TEAM: 

Displacing officers of Lodge 124 

N. G. of Team 125 

Qualifications 126 



270 INDEX. 

See. 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATE: 

Admitting to membership ' 127 

Entitled to 128 

Holder not an Ancient Odd Fellow 129 

Only to members tinder suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues Si 

Severs all connection 130 

When legal . 131 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: 

Cannot be Noble Grand 132 

Cannot grant dispensation 133, 134 

Dispensations 135 

Dispensation to wear regalia 136 

Duty to install officers 137 

Elected to chair of N. G 138 

Eligibility 139 

Installing officers "... 140- 

May be suspended 141 

Powers 142, 143, 144 

Questions of Law 145, 

DONATION: 

To a brother in ill health 146 

DUES: 

Applying for Withdrawal Card 147 

Assessments for certain purposes — dues 20 

Assessments for other purposes — not dues 21 

Being paid, indebtedness on note does not bar from 

benefits 44 

Cannot be remitted 148 

Cannot be refused 149 

Change of rate 150 

Duty of Financial Secretary 151 

From date of Membership 152 

Grand Lodge dues 153 

Member admitted until suspended 154 



INDEX. 271 

Sec. 

DUES— Continued : 

Notice of arrearage 155 

Paid in advance 156, 157 

Paid out of Contingent Fund 158 

Payment of 159 

Remitting 160, 161 

To Grand Lodge 162 

When and Where 163 

When to commence 164 

When payment takes effect 164 1-2 

Mailing a check for dues not payment 41 

ELECTION: 

All ballots formal 165 

Electioneering improper 166 

Excluding blanks 167 

For Representative to Grand Lodge 168, 169 

Illegal 170 

In absence of N. G. and V. G 171 

Xame on back of ticket • 172 

Nominations declined 173 

Of brother in arrears 174 

On Legal Holiday 175 

Pending charges, the brother charged may be 

elected to office 97 

Postponement 176 

Provision in By-Laws 177 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE: 

Settled by By-Laws 178 

EXAMINATION: 

Of re-elected officers 179 

EXPULSION: 

Irregularities in proceedings i8o' 

Mandatory, when convicted and sentenced to 
States Prison 112 



272' INDEX. 

Sec 

FILLING CHAIR: 

Of Vice Grand • 181 

FINES: 

Fines are not dues 182 

FUNDS: 

Contingent Fund 183 

Expended for dance or banquet illegal 184 

Expended in Attorney's Fees 185 

For Railroad Expenses 186 

Illegal use. . . 187, 188 

Interest 189 

Legitimate purposes 190 

Misappropriation of 191, 192, 193 

Not to be donated to a Rebekah Lodge 194 

Of defunct Lodge 195 

Subject to Law of Order 196 

Use of 197 

Voting of 198 

Veteran and Honorable Veteran Jewels 198 1-2 

Widow and Orphan Fund 199 

FUNERALS: 

Attending in regalia . 200 

FUNERAL EXPENSES: 

Brother in arrears not entitled to 201 

Exceeding provision of By-Laws 202 

In case of indebtedness 203 

In case of suicide 204 

Member dies away from jurisdiction of his Lodge. . . 205 

Not a funeral benefit 206, 207 

Of funeral of a member in. another Jurisdiction. ... 208 

Payable without reference to estate of deceased. . 209 

Sum to be paid 210 

GRAND MASTER: 

Duty of 211 



INDEX. 273 

Sec. 

GRAND MASTER— Continued: 

Filling vacancies 212 

Has no power to dispense with the Law 325 

Has no power to suspend General Law or By-Laws 

of Subordinate Lodges 252 

Not empowered to construe By-Laws in first instance 69 

Not empowered to remove officers 213 

Official Documents from 214 

HOME— I. 0. 0. F.: 

Board of Control 215 

The Lansing Home 216 

HONORS OF OFFICE: 

Officers must be appointed and installed 217 

To whom due 218 

INCORPORATION: 

By the entire membership 219 

INITIATION: 

Absence of candidate 220 

At special meeting 221 

Entering or leaving 222 

Fee changed by amendment 223 

Fee for initiation and degrees 224, 225 

In absence ofN.G 226 

Resident for six months in Jurisdiction 227 

INSTALLATION: 

At special meeting 228 

Charges to be memorized 229 

D. D. G. M. the judge of proficiency 230 

Failure to memorize work 231 

Noble Grand not installed 232 

Public — no dispensation 233 

Public — form for installation 234 

Public — permission granted 235 

Public — calling up the Lodge 236 

18 



274 INDEX. 

Sec. 

INSTALLATION— Continued : 

Time 237,238 

With a Lodge of another Order 239 

Right to not affected by pending charges 95 

JEWELS: 

Subordinate Lodges may appropriate funds to pur- 
chase 198 1-2 

Worked on regalia 240 

JURISDICTION: 

Between Ohio and Michigan 241 

Between States 242 

Subordinate Lodge in the Jurisdiction of Ohio 242 

Fixed by Law 243 

How measured 244 

Member admitted outside of Jurisdiction 245 

Of resuscitated Lodge 249 

Of Subordinate Lodge 247 

Penalty of violation 248 

Violation of 326, 249 

Waiving Jurisdiction 250 

Withdrawal Card not a waiver of 78 

KEYS TO WORK: 

Prohibited 251 

LAWS: 

Of Subordinate Lodges 225 

Submitting questions to Grand Master 253 

LECTURES, ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.: 

Deficit 254' 

LODGE ROOM: 

Smoking 255 



INDEX. 275 

SrC 

LODGES: 

Balls 256 

Minutes 257, 469 

Resuscitating a defunct Lodge 258 

Time of Meeting 259 

MEETINGS: 

Bi-monthly 260 

Changes 261 

Change of night 262 

Held on Saturday Evening 263 

Motion to take recess 264 

Of Subordinate Lodge 265 

Place of meeting 266 

Reading minutes of 267 

Roll call, entering after 268 

Resolution to omit meeting on legal holiday 269 

Special meetings 270, 271 

Sunday meetings 272 

MEMBERSHIP: 

Admission fee — Ministers not admitted free 273 

Admission of former members 274 

Admission of members of Manchester Unity 275 

Age limit 276 

Amount to be paid 277 

Ancient Odd Fellow 278 

Applicant fails to appear 279 

Ballot obligatory 280 

By Card 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288 

Change of 289, 290 

Deaf not eligible 291 

Declared elected by N. G. and V. G 292 

Eligibility 293, 294 

Holder of Dismissal Certificate 295 

Illegal Admission by Card 296 



276 INDEX. 

Sec. 

MEMBERSHIP— Continued : 

In more than one Lodge 297 

Jurisdiction — No waiver unless a Lodge has Juris- 
diction 298, 299 

Member of Catholic Church 300 

No fixed residence 301 

Non-benefit 302, 303, 304 

Non-benefit to benefit 305 

Not consummated 306 

Outside of Jurisdiction 307, 308 

Paying a bonus 309 

Pensioner of the Government 310 

Petitioner fails to appear at initiation 311 

Qualifications 312,313,314,315 

Rate of Admission 316 

Readmission. 317 

Reconsideration 318 

Reconsideration of suspension 319 

Rejection 320,321 

Resignation 322 

Retired List 323 

Signature 324 

Under twenty-one years of age 325 

Violation of Territorial Jurisdiction 326 

Vote 327 

Withdrawal Card 328, 329 

Withdrawal of petition 330, 331 

MEMORIZING WORK: 

Amount required 332 

NEW LODGES: 

Law 333 

NOBLE GRAND: 

Entitled to vote 334 



INDEX. 277 

Sec. 

NOMINATIONS: 

Time of 335 

Presence not required 336 

NOTES: 

Money past due on note 337 

NURSE HIRE: 

A brother in arrears is entitled to 338 

Paid from General Fund 339 

OFFENCES: 

Using name of Order without permission 340 

OFFICERS: 

Absence at installation 341 

Appointment of officers pro tern (Fin. Sec.) 342 

Brother nominated, not present 343, 336 

Credit for attendance 344 

Decisions of N. G 345 

Duties 346 

Duty of Warden 347 

Election of N. G 348 

Election of Scarlet Degree Member 349 

Eligible for nomination 350 

Eligible to office of V. G : 351, 352 

Examination 179, 353, 381 

Examination of Books 354 

Failure to appear at installation 355 

Filling vacancy 356 

Formal letters 357 

Grand Lodge officer elected 358 

Grand Officer and Representative 359 

Installation 360, 361 

Junior Past Grand 362 

Junior Past Grand and Treasurer 363 

Member of Committee defrauding Lodge 364 



278 INDEX. 

Sec. 

OFFICERS— Continued : 

More than one office 365 

Noble Grand absent 366 

Noble Grand entitled to honors of office 367 

Occupying the Vice Grand's Chair 368 

Past Grand's Charge 369 

Power of Vice Grand 370 

Presiding officer 371 

Qualifications for V. G 372 

Question between N. G. and V. G 373 

Right Supporter of N. G 376, 374, 375 

Service to secure honors of term 377 

Special Treasurer 378 

Suspension of 379 

Terms of Recording Secretary and Treasurer 380 

Time of Examination 381 

Time of Membership . 382 

Treasurer's Bond 383 

Vacancy in office of Noble Grand 384 

Vice Grand.. 386, 370, 385, 372 

Warden 347, 387 

OPENING LODGE: 

S. A. P. W 388 

ORDER OF BUSINESS: 

Request for Certificate 389 

PASS WORD— A. T. P. W. OR S. A. P. W. : 

Authority to communicate 390 

Communicated on an order 391 

During life of Card 392 

Entitled to 393, 394, 395, 396, 397 

Not entitled to S. A. P. W. outside of State 89 

Officers entitled to 398 

Right to communicate ,-399> 4°° 

When communicated 401 

When given 402 



INDEX. 279 

Sec. 

PAST GRAND: 

When 403 

PETITIONS: 

Form 404 

When withdrawn 405 

PHOTOGRAPHS: 

In robes of Staff 406 

PUBLIC PROCESSIONS: 

Permission required 407 

QUESTIONS OF LAW: 

Decisions of Grand Master 408 

READMISSION: 

Of expelled member 409 

REBEKAH LODGE: 

Questions referred to Rebekah Assembly 410 

RECEIPTS: 

Official 411 

REGALIA: 

Encampment 412 

Jewel not a substitute for 413 

Of a Degree Staff 414 

When worn 415 

REINSTATEMENT: 

After seven years 416 

After the age of fifty 417 

Application denied 418 

As a non-benefit member 419 

By vote of Lodge 420 

Fee 421 

Manner 422 



280 INDEX. 

Sec. 

REINSTATEMENT— Continued : 

Manner of voting . .. 423 

New Committee not permissible 424 

Not by one vote 425 

Not reconsidered 426 

Payment required 427 

RELIEF: 

At discretion of Lodge 428 

Committee may be organized by Lodge 104 

For relief of a brother 4 

Not outside of Order 17 

Ownership of sum contributed 429 

To brother not in good standing 18, 146 

RENUNCIATION: 

Effect on benefits 43a 

REPORTS TO GRAND LODGE: 

Required by Law 43 r 

REPRESENTATIVE TO GRAND LODGE: 

Eligible to nomination and election 432 

Junior P. G. eligible 433 

Number based on June Report 434, 435 

Per diem and mileage 436 

Qualifications 437, 438, 439, 440, 441 

Time of Election 442 

RESIGNATION: 

Effect of 443 

Takes effect at once 444 

RESUSCITATION: 

Lodge resuscitated not a new Lodge 258 

RESTORATION OF CHARTER TO DEFUNCT LODGE: 

To five or more members 445 

To less than five of former members 446 



INDEX. 281 

Sec. 

ROBES: 

In a parade 447 

SALOONKEEPERS, BARTENDERS, LIQUOR BUSINESS: 

Bondsman for saloonkeeper 448 

Continuance as such 449 

Eligible to Membership 450 

If convicted, must be expelled 451 

Illegally admitted 452 

Ineligible to Membership 453 

Liable to Charges 454 

May grant Withdrawal Card if no charges have been 

preferred 26 

One who drives 455 

Sells his business 456 

Wholesale Liquor Business 457 

SEAL: 

Law 458 

Use of 459 

SESSIONS: 

Special 460 

Time 461 

SICKNESS AND INSANITY: 

Notice given 462 

SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

Business transacted 463 

SUBORDINATE LODGES: 

Adjournment 464 

Assessment 465 

Becoming extinct 466 

Building and Loan Association 467 

Cannot legally be opened 165 

Control of Lodge Room 468 

Entering Lodge during reading of minutes 469 



282 INDEX. 

Sec. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES— Continued: 

Entitled to admission until suspended ., 154 

Granting a Charter 470 

Officer entering after roll call is present 268 

Opening of a Lodge 471 

Responsible for Agent 472 

Use of funds for building 473 

Wearing robes 474 

Withdrawal Card 475 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER: 

Members not liable for dues 476 

SUSPENSION: 

Admission as Ancient Odd Fellow 477 

Dues during suspension 478 

Duration 479 

Effect of " 480 

For a definite time 481 

Indefinite time illegal 482 

Non-payment of dues 483 

Reconsideration 484 

Reinstatement 485 

Restoration after suspension 486 

Suspended member not an Ancient Odd Fellow. . 487 

TELLER AT ELECTION: 

Candidate may act 488 

TRIALS: 

Counsel 489, 490 

Challenging members of committee 491 

. Excluding members . 492 

Member of Trial Committee 493 

Not in Public 494 

Preferring charges 495 

Sentence 496 

Taking evidence 497 



INDEX. 283 

Sec. 

TRIALS— Continued : 

Trial Committee 498 

Witness refusing to answer questions 499 

TRUSTEES: 

Not officers of the Lodge 500 

VISITING: 

Admission of other Orders 501 

Of a brother in arrears 502 

Visitor must have Official Certificate 91 

VOTING: 

Ballot 503, 504 

Deciding result 505 

Declaring result 506 

On financial questions of personal interest 507 

On night of initiation 508 

On night of receiving the Degree of Truth 509 

On reinstatement 510 

Reason for ballot 511 



284 INDEX. 



INDEX TO SUPPLEMENTAL DIGEST 

SESSION 1905. 



ANCIENT ODD FELLOW: sec. 

Defined 512 

ASSESSMENTS: 

Assessments apply to all members. Except 513 

BALLOT: 

Carrying ballot box to N. G. and V. G. only 514 

Examination thereof 515 

BENEFITS— SICK: 

Effect of application for admission to Home on. . . . 516 
Request for Withdrawal Card not received. Still 

a Member 517 

To whom paid after Death 518 

Waiving right to illegal 519 

BY-LAWS OR AMENDMENT TO: 

Take effect When 520 

CERTIFICATE OF REP. TOG. L.: 

Signed by Whom 521 

CHARGES: 

Method of preferring against a member of another 

Lodge 522 

Noble Grand not removed from office 523 

Withdrawn may be again preferred . 524 

CRIMINAL OFFENCE: 

Preferring charges, etc 525 



INDEX. 285 

Sec, 

DEGREES: 

Amount to be paid, agreement illegal and void. ... 526 

Note a form of indebtedness not payment 527 

Regalia, not to be worn when entering to receive. . . 52S 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: 

Nomination declined, not a candidate 529 

Time of, may take place at next regular meeting. . 530 

When but one candidate, on motion and vote. ... 531 

FUNDS: 

Purchase of piano, may appropriate for 532 

Room in Hospital, may appropriate for 533 

HALL: 

Building Hall or addition to, permission of Grand 
Lodge not required 534 

INCORPORATION: 

Consent of all Members not necessary 535 

See Ante 219 

INSTALLATION: 

Installing officer 536 

INSURANCE ASSOCIATION: 

It is illegal for any such association to use the term 
"Odd Fellow" or "I. O. O. F.," as the name or 
part of the name of such association 537 

JURISDICTION— TERRITORIAL : 

Must be waived by all Lodges having 538 

LAWS: 

Of S. G. L. no action^of Grand or Subordinate 
Lodges required 539 

Of Grand Lodge of Michigan, no conflict between 
clauses 540 



286 INDEX. 

Sec. 

MEETINGS: 

Regular meetings not dispensed with on account of 

reception . . 578 

Visiting Past Grand cannot call to order and preside 580 

Visitors not to be counted to make a quorum. ... 581 

Opening Lodge in the absence of N. G. and V. G. . 558 

MEMBERSHIP: 

Age qualification for 540 1-2 

Agreement as to benefits in certain cases void. . . . 541 
Application for after rejection by a Lodge not hav- . 

ing jurisdiction 542 

Benefit membership 543 

Former record lost, how admitted 544 

Held in but one Lodge, at the same time 545 

Not under law of 1904, as to transfer of 546 

On Dismissal Certificate 547 

MEMBERSHIP UNDER TRANSFER LAW OF 1904 : 

Law of 1904 as to transfer of without cost except .... 548 

Law of 1904 operative January 1, 1905 549 

Admission under law of 1904 also under clause 6, 

Sec. 1, Art. 2 550 

Change of Membership under laws of 1904. With- 
drawal card at cost. General Laws 551 

Concurrent jurisdiction, on change of residence only 552 

Does not apply to Rebekah Lodges 553 

Information required in petition 554 

When an applicant under laws of 1904 is elected, 
the Lodge electing should notify the Brother's 
Lodge of Election, the Brother should apply for 

Card 555 

Qualifications under the law 556 

The holder of a Withdrawal Card in full force, same 

as though entitled to 557 

NOBLE GRAND: 

When entitled to vote at election, may nominate. . 559 



INDEX. 287 

Sec. 

NOBLE GRAND— Continued: 

Not suspended from performance of duties of office 
by charges 560 

NON-AFFILIATED ODD FELLOW: 

Denned 561 

NON-BENEFIT MEMBERSHIP: 

General Laws 562 

OFFICERS: 

Eligible to Vice Grand 563 

Filling vacancy in the office of Right Supporter. . 564 

PAST GRAND, JUNIOR: 

The Junior or Sitting is not an officer of the Lodge. 565 

PASS WORD: 

Use of Term or Semi-Annual, not to be used when 
over weeks in arrears 566 

RE ADMISSION: 

After four years is a benefit member, unless 567 

REBEKAH LODGE MEMBERSHIP: 

Dependent upon good standing in Subordinate 
Lodge, except as to Withdrawal Card 568 

REGALIA, ETC.: 

Not allowable to use or to loan for use in public on 
the Stage 569 

REINSTATEMENT: 

Of members suspended for non-payment of dues. . 570 

SALOONKEEPER OR BARTENDER: 

Charges preferred. If sustained must be expelled. 571 

How punished, penalty, etc 572 

While under suspension engages in prohibited busi- 
ness cannot be reinstated 573 



288 INDEX. 

SOLICITING AID: 

Authority required, must be authorized by Grand 
Master under Seal 574 

SPECIAL SESSIONS OF GRAND LODGE TO CONFER DE- 
GREES AND INSTRUCT IN WORK: 

Presence of officers required, Grand Secretary must 
be present '. 575 

SUBORDINATE LODGES: 

Change of night of meeting, by amendment to By- 
Laws and notice 576 

May dispose of real estate 577 

Meetings, regular meeting not dispensed with on ac- 
count of reception 578 

Raffles and all games of chance illegal 579 

Visiting Past Grand cannot call to order and preside 580 
Visitors not to be counted to make a quorum. ... 581 

SUSPENSION: 

A member under suspension for cause liable for dues 582 

SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES: 

Cannot be suspended until 13 months in arrears and 

been notified after 12 months in arrears 583 

In Rebekah Lodge, when suspended in Subordinate 584 

TRIAL: 

Members entitled to vote 585 

TRUSTEES: 

Not officers of Lodge, law as to declaring office va- 
cant does not apply to 586 

VETERAN MEMBERSHIP: 

How composed 587 

VOTING FOR GRAND LODGE OFFICERS: 

Legal time for voting, cannot legally vote at any .... 

other time 588 



INDEX. 289 

Sec. 

VOTING FOR GRAND LODGE OFFICERS— Continued: 

Sending out vote only to Grand Secretary 589 

Secretary of Lodge acting as such, not to send vote 
to others than Grand Secretary 590 

VOTING: 

Right to not affected by preferring charges, etc. ... 591 

WITHDRAWAL CARD: 

The right to not affected by intention to remain in 

Jurisdiction of Lodge 592 

Expired the holder an Ancient Odd Fellow 593 

No Withdrawal pending charges 594 

19 



INDEX TO CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 



A N 1 > 



GENERAL LAWS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 



INDEX. 



A. 

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES: 

• Election of Clause i, p. 165 

Qualification for Clause 1, p. 165 

ANCIENT ODD FELLOWS Clause 7, p. 215 

APPEALS: 

Entertained by Grand Lodge pp. 163, 198-201 

How taken p. 198-201 

Law concerning pp. 198-201; Clause 9, p. 227 

Notice of to be given Clause 9, p. 227 

Record of furnished p. 198-199 

Record of sent to Grand Secretary Sec. 2. p. 199 

Right to Clause 9, p. 227 

Sent to Grand Secretary Sec. 2, p. 199 

Subordinate members may Art. 3, Sec. 1, 198-199 

To Sovereign Grand Lodge Sec. 8, p. 201 

Jurisidction of Appeal Committee. .Sec. 3, 4, p. 199; 

5, 7, pp. 200-201 
Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge pp. 198-201 

APPEALS COMMITTEE: 

Duties of. .pp. 177-178; Sec. 3-4, p. 199; Sec. 5-7, pp. 

200-201 

Pay of pp. 177-178 

Report of Sec. 7, p. 200-201 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP; (see Lodges, Sub- 
ordinate.) 



294 INDEX. 

ASSESSMENTS BY SUBORDINATE LODGES .... Sec. 2, 

Clause 1, p. 217 

APPOINTIVE AND ELECTIVE OFFICERS. . . Clause 1, 2, 

p. 228-229 

B. 
BALLOT: 

Reconsideration of.. Clause 10, pp. 216-217; Clause, 3, 

pp. 237-238 

BALLOTING (see Lodges, Subordinate): 

For degrees. .Sec. 2, Clause 1, p. 236; Clause 2, p. 237 
For members. . ..Clause 3, p. 213; Clause 10, pp. 216-217 

BENEFITS: 

Funeral Clause 3 , p. 218 

Funeral expense Clause 3, p. 218 

Members to receive pp. 217-219 

Not paid for first week Clause 2, p. 217 

Not paid for fractions of a week Clause 2, p. 217 

Not required to give except Clause 2, pp. 217-218 

Old law regarding Sec. 2, Clause 1, pp. 236-237 

BOARD OF CONTROL OF ODD FELLOWS HOME. pp. 

233-234 

BY-LAWS (see Lodges, Subordinate; see Grand Lodge). 

BY-LAW COMMITTEE: 

Duties of Clause 2, p. 178 

Pay of Clause 2, p. 178 

C. 

CANDIDATES FOR GRAND LODGE OFFICES: 

Present when votes are counted. .Clause 3, pp. 174-175 

CHARGES (see Trials). 



INDEX. 295 

CERTIFICATE : 

For Past Grand p. 195 

For Proxy Representative p. 194 

For Representative p. 193 

COMMITTEE ON TRIALS (see Trials). 

COMMITTEES OF GRAND LODGE (see Grand Lodge). 

COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATION OF JURISDICTION, pp. 

20^-204 

CODE OF RULES FOR TRIALS pp. 241-256 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. Sec. 12, 

pp. 196-198 

CONTRIBUTIONS. Sec. 2, Clause 1, p. 217; Clause 10, pp. 

233-234 
COUNSEL: 

Parties to trial may appear by Rule 3, p. 243 

COMMITTEES OF GRAND LODGE (see Grand Lodge 
committees) . 

D. 

DEGREES (see Lodges, Subordinate). 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: 

Duties of Clause 2, p. 168 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, pp. 164-165 

D. 

DISMISSAL CERTIFICATE. . . .Clause 5, 6, p. 221; Clause 

7, p. 222 
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: 

Appointed by Grand Master Clause 12, p. 171 

Dispensations by Clause 12, p. 171 

Duties of Clause 12, p. 171 

Representative of Grand Master Clause 12, p. 171 

Reports by Clause 12, p. 171 

Term of office of Clause 12, p. 171 



296 INDEX. 

DUES: 

To Grand Lodge pp. 186-187 

Suspension for non-payment of pp. 219-222 

E. 

ELECTIVE AND APPOINTIVE OFFICERS: 

Of Subordinate Lodges Clause 1,2, pp. 228-229 

Of Grand Lodge Art. 3, Sec. 1, Clause 2, p. 166 

ELECTION: 

Of alternate representatives in Grand Lodge .... Clause 

1, p. 165 

Of Grand Lodge officers pp. 166, 172, 174, 175 

Of proxy representative in Grand Lodge .... Clause 2 

p. 165 

Of representative in Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 165 

Subordinate lodge elections pp. 229-232 

To membership in Subordinate lodge may be reconsid- 
ered Clause 3, p. 213; Clause 10, pp. 216-217 

ELECTION RETURNS: 

Sent to Grand Secretary Clause 3, p. 174 

ELIGIBILITY FOR: 

Degrees .Sec. 1, Clause 1, p. 236 

Membership Clause 1 , p. 212 

EMBLEMS OF ORDER: 

Illegal use of Clause 10, p. 196 

EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES AT TRIALS (see Trials) . 

EXPULSION OF: 

Grand Lodge members Sec. 3, p. 166 

Notice of sent to other lodges Clause 10, p. 227 

Subordinate lodge members pp. 222-228 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: 

Consists of Art. 7, Clause 1, p. 187 

Duties of. . . .Clause 1, p. 166, Art. 7, Clause 1, p. 187; 

2d Paragraph, pp. 197-198 



INDEX. 297 

F. 
FINDINGS OF TRIAL COMMITTEES Rule 12, p. 247 

FUNDS (see Grand Lodge, also see Subordinate Lodges) : 
Contingent fund. ...Sec. 2, p. 191; Clause 4, pp. 218-219 

For Odd Fellows Home Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

Illegal use of pp. 218-219 

Legal use of pp. 218-219 

Subordinate lodge funds. . . .Sec. 2, p. 191 ; pp. 218-219 

FUNERAL BENEFITS Clause 3, p. 218 

FUNERAL EXPENSE Clause 3, p. 218 



GENERAL LAWS (see also Lodges, Subordinate): 

Amendments to Sec. 1, Clauses 1, 2, p. 238 

Ancient Odd Fellows .Clause 7, p. 215 

Ballot, reconsideration of.... Clause 10, pp. 216-217, 

Clause 3, pp. 237-238 

Balloting for member Clause 3, p. 213 

Benefits pp. 217-219 

Change of membership Clause 6, p. 214-215 

Constitution of Subordinate lodges. .Article 1, p. 211 

Contributions Clause 1 , p. 217 

Degrees pp. 236-238 

Dismissal Certificates Clauses 5, 6, p. 221 ; 

Clause 7, p. 222 

Elections pp. 229-233 

Funds of a lodge Clause 4, pp. 218-219 

Government of Subordinate lodges pp. 209-240 

Membership of Subordinate lodges pp. 212-217 

Non-affiliated Odd Fellows Clause 8, p. 215 

Non-benefit members Clause 3, p. 220 

Notice of rejection Clause 4, pp. 213-214 

Officers, appointive Sec. 1, Clause 2, p. 229 

Officers, elective Clause 1, pp. 228-229 

Penalties Sec. 4, pp. 222-228 



298 INDEX. 

GENERAL LAWS— Continued : . 

Preamble to p. 2 1 1 

Readmission of expelled members . Clause 11, pp. 227-228 
Reconsideration of ballot .... Clause 10, pp. 216-217; 

Clause 3, pp. 237-238 
Reinstatement of suspended members. .. .pp. 219-222 
Resuscitation of Subordinate lodges .... Clauses 4, pp. 

220-221 
Returns of Subordinate lodges. . . .Sec. 2, pp. 235-236 
Suspension of Subordinate members. .Sec. 3, pp. 219-222 

Terms of Subordinate lodges Sec. 1, p. 235 

Territorial jurisdiction Clause 2, p. 212 

Withdrawal cards Clauses 5-8, pp. 214-216 

GRAND CHAPLAIN: 

"Duties of Clause 1 1 , p. 171 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND CONDUCTOR: 

Duties of Clause 8, p. 170 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND GUARDIAN: 

Duties of Clause 9, p. 170 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND HERALD : 

Duties of Clause 10, pp. 1 70-1 71 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of. ... . Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND LODGE: 

Amendments to Constitution of. .Art, 6, Clause 1, p. 187 

Annual session Art. 4, Sec. 1, pp. 181-182 

Appeals received by Sec. 1, p. 163 

Appointive Officers Art. 3, Clause 2, pp. 166-167 



IXD1-X. 



299 



GRAND LODGE— Continued: 

Business of in G. L. degree. . . .Sec. 2, Clause 1, p. 183 

By-Laws of Art. 6, Sec-. 2, p. 187; pp. 189-208 

Cards issued by Grand Secretary Sec. 4, p. 192 

Charters granted by Sec. 1, p. 163 

Charters suspended by Sec. 1, p. 163 

Committees appointed by Grand Master. ... Clause 1, 

pp. 167-168 
Committees of — 

Appeals (see Appeals Committee) pp. 177-178 

By-laws (see By-Law Committee) ... Clause 2, p. 178 

Canvass of votes Clause 3, pp. 174-175 

Computation of mileage Clause '9, pp. 180-181 

Correspondence, 6th p. 177, Clause 7, p. 180 

Credentials, 1st p. 177, Clause 2, p. 179 

Executive (see Executive Committee) Art. 7, 

Clause 1, p. 187 

Finance, 3d pp. 178-179 

Judiciary, 3d p. 177, Clause 4, p. 180 

Legislation, 4th p. 177, Clause 5, p. 180 

Mileage and Per Diem, 8th. . . .p. 177, Clause 9, pp. 

180-181 

Petitions, 5th p, 177, Clause 6, 180 

Rebekah Branch of Order, 7th. .pp. 177, Clause 8, 

p. 180 

Returns, 2d p. 177, Clause 3, p. 179 

Degree may be conferred by vote, 2d paragraph, .p. 195 
Degree not conferred without certificate, 2d paragraph 

P- J 95 

Dues of Subordinates to Sec. 2, pp. 186-187 

Duties of officers Sec. 2, pp. 167-172 

Election of members Sec. 2, pp. 165-166 

Election of officers of . . . .Clause 1, p. 166; Sec. 4, pp. 

'72-175 

Elective officers of Clause 1, p. 166 

Expulsion of members Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 166 

Funds (see Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer). 
Grand Master allowed to vote Clause 2, p. 164 



300 INDEX. 

GRAND LODGE— Continued: 

Grievances redressed by '. ; Sec. i, p. 163 

Installation of officers of Sec. 5, p. 175 

Jurisdiction of Sec. 1, p. 163 

May adjourn Clause 1, p. 181 

Membership of Sec. 1, pp. 164-166 

Mileage of Clause 5, pp. 164-165 

Name of Sec. 1, p. 163 

Nomination of officers of Clause 1, pp. 172-173 

Offices become vacant Clause 1, p. 166 

Office in, qualification for Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 172 

Officers of Clause 1, p. 164; Art. 3, Sec. 1, Clause 1, 

2, pp. 166-167 

Officers of can debate Clause 2, p. 164 

Officers of can make motions Clause 2, p. 164 

Officers of cannot vote Clause 2, p. 164 

Officers required at special session of Clause 1, pp. 

181-182 

Open in Scarlet degree Sec. 2, Clause 1, p. 183 

Order of business. . . ; pp. 204-205 

Pay of members Clause 5, pp. 164-165 

Qualification for membership in. . . .Sec. 1, pp. 164-165 

Qualification for officers in Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 172 

Quorum Clause 4, p. 182 

Removal of officers of Sec. 6, pp. 175-176 

Representatives' certificate p. 193 

Representatives of Subordinate lodge. .Clause 4, p. 164 

Rules of order of pp. 206-208 

Sessions of pp. 181-182; Art. 1, pp. 189-190 

Sessions, special. . . .Clause 1, p. 167; Sec. 1, pp. 181-182 

Standing resolutions of pp. 258-260 

Subject to Sovereign Grand Lodge p. 163 

Support of regulated by p. 163 

Supreme tribunal of Order in Michigan p. 163 

Vacancies in Sec. 7, Clause 1, p. 176 

Voting in Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 183 

Where held Sec. 1, Clause 1, pp. 181-182 

Work of Clauses 2-4, p. 182 



INDEX. 301 

GRAND MARSHAL: 

Duties of Clause 7, p. 170 

Member of Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND MASTER: 

Allowed to vote Clause 2, p. 164 

Charters may be demanded by p. 188; Sec. 1, p. 190 

Committees appointed by. . . .Clause 1, p. 167; Clause 3, 

p. 174 

Decisions of become law Clause i, pp. 167-168 

Decisions of binding Clause 1, p. 167 

Degrees conferred by Clause 3, pp. 183-184 

Dist. Deputy Grand Masters appointed by. . . .Clause 12, 

p. 171 
District Deputy Grand Masters may be removed by 

Clause 1, p. 167 

Duties of Sec. 2, pp. 167-168 

Member of Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pass word forwarded by Art. 3, Sec. 2, p. 198 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

Questions to be answered by Clause 1, p. 167 

Report by Clause 1, p. 168 

Special sessions of G. L. ordered by. . . .Clause 1, p. 167 

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES: 

Duties of Clause 6, p. 170 

Election of Clause 4, p. 175 

Member of Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Nominations for Clause 4, p. 175 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

GRAND SECRETARY: 

Ballots for G. L. officers sent to. . .Clause 2, pp. 173-174 

Bonds of Clause 4, pp. 168-169 

Duties of Clause 4, pp. 168-169; Sec. 4, p. 192; 

Sec. 9, p. 195-196 
Grand Lodge cards issued by Sec. 4, p. 192 



302 INDEX. 

GRAND SECRETARY— Continued: 

Member Committee on Credentials, ist p. 177 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Nominations for G. L. officers read by. . . .Sec. 4, Clause 

1, p. 172 
Nominations for G. L. Officers sent to. . . .Sec. 4, Clause 

1, p. 172 
Orders on Treasurer countersigned by. .Clause 1, p. 167 

Past Grands roll book kept by Sec. 9, p. 195 

Pay of Clause 5, pp. 164-165; Clause 4, pp. 168- 

169; Standing Resolutions, p. 259 
Roll of Past Grands taken to G. L. by . .Clause 9, pp. 195- 

196 
Stationery for G. L. provided by. .Clause 4, pp. 168-169 
When remit to Grand Treasurer. . .Clause 4, pp. 168-169 

GRAND TREASURER: 

Bonds of Clause 5, pp. 169-170 

Duties of : Clause 5, pp. 169-170 

Member Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, p. 164 

H. 
HOME BOARD OF CONTROL Clauses 7-10, pp. 232-234 

HOME, ODD FELLOWS (see Odd Fellows Home). 

I. 

ILLEGAL TO USE: 

Emblems of Order for business Sec. 10, p. 196 

Name of Order for business Sec. 10, p. 196 

Official title for business Sec. 10, p. 196 

INITIATION, TO JOIN LODGE BY Clause 3, p. 213 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS OF GRAND LODGE. .Sec. 

5> P- i75 



INDEX. 303 

J. 
JOINING SUBORDINATE LODGE BY INITIATION . Clause 

3> P. 213 
JOINING SUBORDINATE LODGE BY CARD . Clauses 

5-6, p. 214; Clause 7, p. 215 
JURISDICTION: 

Concurrent Clause 2, p. 212 

Of Subordinate lodges Clause 2, p. 212 

Violation of Art. 1, pp. 201-204; Clause 2, p. 212 

Waiver of Clause 2, p. 212 

K. 
KEEPING PAST GRANDS CERTIFICATE . Sec. 9. p. 195 

KEEPING ROLL OF PAST GRANDS.. ..Sec. 9, pp. 195-196 

L. 

LAWS GOVERNING SUBORDINATE LODGES (see Gen- 
eral Laws) . .pp. 209-239 

LODGES, SUBORDINATE: 

Admission to membership in Sec. 12, pp. 212-217 

e for initiation Clause 1, p. 212 

Alternate representative Clause 1, p. 165 

Ancient Odd Fellows, admission of . . . .Clause 7, p. 215 

Application for membership pp. 213-215 

Assessment by Clause 1, p. 217 

Attorney may be employed by Art. 8, p. 188 

Bartenders not admitted Clause 1, p. 212 

Balloting by ball ballot Clause 3, p. 213 

Benefits Sec. 2, 217-219 

By-laws of. ...Sec. 3, p. 198; Sec. 2, Art. 6, pp. 238-239 
By-laws submitted to G. L. By-Law Committee. .Sec. 3, 

p. 198 
Charter of Art. 5, Clause 1, pp. 183-184; Art. 8, 

p. 188 

Concurrent jurisdiction of Clause 2, p. 212 

Consolidation of Sec. 12, pp. 196-198 



304 INDEX. 

LODGES, SUBORDINATE— Continued: 

Constituted by Clause i , p. 211 

Contingent fund Sec. 2, p. 191; last paragraph 

Clause 4, pp. 218-219 

Contributions to funds Sec. 2, pp. 217-219 

Degree elected must be conferred Clause 3, pp. 

237-238 
Degree not given if charges are preferred. . . .Clause 3, 

pp. 237-238 
Degrees balloted on in 3d degree. . . .Clause 2, p. 237 

Degrees eligibility for Art. 5, Clause 1, p. 236 

Degrees must be paid for. . .Sec. 2, Clause 1, pp. 236-237 
Degrees not conferred. . . .Art. 3, Sec. 1, p. 198; Sec. 1-2, 

p. 236 

Degrees, rates of Sec. 2, pp. 236-237 

District Deptuy Grand Master. .. .Clause 12, p. 171; 

Clause 3, pp. 235-236' 

Dues to Grand Lodge Clauses 1-2, pp. 186-187 

Duties of Art. 5, pp. 183-187 

Duties of officers of Sec. 2, p. 229 

Effects of Defunct lodges. ... .- .. .Sec. 1, pp. 190-191 
Elections. .Clause 1, p. 165; Clause 2, p. 173; Clauses 

1-6, pp. 229-232 

Election of representative Clause 1, p. 165; Clause 

6, p. 231 
Examination of applicant for admission by card . . Clause 

9. p. 216 
Expelled members readmitted. . . .Clause 11, pp. 227-228 
Expulsion of members (see Trials). 

Fee for admission Clause 1, p. 212 

Forfeiture of charter. ...... .Sec. 1, pp. 190-191; Sec. 3, 

p. 236 

Funds and property of Sec. 2, p. 191; Clause 4, 

pp. 218-219 
Funds and effects of defunct lodges. .. .Sec. 1-3, pp. 

190-191 

Funds cannot be divided Sec. 3, p. 191 

Home fund tax Clause 2, pp. 186-187 



INDEX. 305 

LODGES, SUBORDINATE— Continued: 

Jurisdiction of Clause 2, p. 212 

Laws concerning. . . .Art. 2-3, pp. 190-198; pp. 211-239 

Medical examination Clause 3, p. 213 

Members can appeal from Art. 4, pp. 198-201 

Members entitled to dismissal certificates. . . .Clauses 

5-7, pp. 221-222 

Members entitled to trial Clause 2, p. 222 

Members must be notified before suspension. . . .Clause 

1, pp. 219-220 
Membership of Art. 3, Sec. 1, p. 198; Art. 2, Sec. 

1-3, pp. 212-222 

Night of meeting Sec. 11, p. 196 

Nominations for G. L. officers by Sec. 4, Clause 1, 

pp. 172-173 

Nominations for officers Clause 2, p. 230 

Non-beneficial members Clause 8, pp. 215-216; 

Clause 3, p. 220 
Notice of rejection must be sent. . . .Clause 4, pp. 213-214 

Not possessing legal charter Sec. 5, p. 192 

Numbers of defunct lodges may be used. . . .Sec. 1, p. 190 

Organization of new lodges Art. 5, Clause 1, pp. 

183-184; Clause 1, p. 211 

Officers of, appointive Clause 2, p. 229 

Officers of, duties Sec. 2, p. 229 

Officers of, elective Clause 1, pp. 228-229 

Permission for entertainments. .. .Sec. 7, pp. 192-193 

Petition for entertainment .p. 193 

Proxy representatives of Clause 2, p. 165 

Qualifications for Noble Grand. .Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 229 

Qualifications for representative Clause 1, p. 165 

Qualifications for Vice Grand. .Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 229 
Reconsideration of ballot .... Clause 10, pp. 216-217 

Reinstatement of members Sec. 3, pp. 219-222 

Reports by Clauses 2-4, pp. 184-186; Sec. 2, pp. 

235-236 

Representatives in G. L Clause 4, p. 164 

20 



306 INDEX. 

LODGES SUBORDINATE— Continued: 

Resuscitation of defunct lodges Sec. i, pp. 190-191 ; 

Clause 4, pp. 220-221 

Returns of . . . .Sec. 2, pp. 235-236 

Saloon-keeper not admitted Clause 1, p. 212 

Seal required Sec. 6, p. 192 

Suspension of members Sec. 3, pp. 219-222 

Supreme Being, belief in required Sec. 1, p. 212 

Terms of Sec. 1, Clause 1, p. 235 

Trials by Sec. 4, pp. 222-228; pp. 241-256 

Violation of jurisdiction Art. 5, pp. 201-204 

White persons only admitted Sec. 1, p. 212 

M. 
MEDICAL EXAMINATION MAY BE REQUIRED . . . Clause 

3, P- 213 
MEETINGS OF GRAND LODGE Art. 1, pp. 189-190 

MEETING NIGHTS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. . Sec. 

11, p. 196 
MILEAGE OF GRAND LODGE MEMBERS: 

Amount allowed in Lower Peninsula Clause 5 , 

pp. 164-165 
Amount allowed in Upper Peninsula. .Clause 5, p. 165 
How computed - .Clause 5, pp. 164-165 

MEMBERSHIP (see Grand Lodge, also Lodges, Subordi- 
nate) . 

N. 

TfAME OF ORDER: 

Illegal use of Sec. 10, p. 196 

NOBLE GRAND : 

Eligibility for office of . . . .Sec. 3, Clause 1, pp. 229-230 

Past Grand's certificate signed by Sec. 8. p. 195 

Representatives certificate signed by. . . .Sec. 8, p. 195 
Votes for G. L. officers counted by. .Clause 2, pp. 173-174 



INDIA. 307 

NOMINATIONS: 

For G. L. officers Sec. 4, Clause 1, pp. 172-173 

For Subordinate lodge officers Clause 2, p. 230 

Motion to close not in order Clause 1, p. T73 

Nomination and election of G. L. officers. . . .Sec. 4, pp. 

172-175 
Record of made by Grand Secretary . .Clause 1, pp. 172- 

173 
NOMINEES FOR OFFICE: 

Acceptance by Clause 1 , pp. 172-173 

Decline to accept Clause 2, p. 230 

Subordinate lodges Clause 2, p. 230 

NON-BENEFICIAL MEMBERS. . . .Clause 8, pp. 215-216; 

Clause 3, p. 220 

NOTICE OF REJECTION OF APPLICATION Clause 

4, pp. 213-214 
0. 

ODD FELLOWS HOME: 

Board of Control Clause 7-1 1, pp. 232-234 

Bonds of treasurer of Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

Cash on hand not to exceed Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

Contributions for Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

Duties of Board of Control Clause 9, p. 233 

Funds of Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

Laws governing see J. G. L., 1904, pp. 170-176 

Officers of Board of Control Clause 8, p. 233 

Rebekah members Board of Control. .. .Clause 7, pp. 

232-233 
Report regarding required Clause 11, p. 234 

OFFICIAL TITLE : 

Illegal use of Sec. 10, p. 196 

OFFICERS: 

Board of Control Clause 8, p. 233 

Eligible to re-election Clause 3, p. 230 

Grand Lodge Sec. i, p. 166 



308 INDEX. 

OFFICERS— Continued : 

Seat declared vacant Clause 5, p. 231 

Subordinate Lodges Clause 1, 2, pp. 228-229 

P. 
PAST GRANDS: 

Certificate for p. 195 

Elect Grand Lodge officers. . . .Sec. 4, Clause 1, pp. 172- 

173 

Elected to fill G. L. vacancy. > Clause 3, pp. 174-175 

. Eligible to G. L. offices Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 172 

Entitled to attend sessions of G. L. . . .Clause 6, p. 165 

Entitled to G. L. degree Clause 6, p. 165 

Entitled to Past Official degree ..Clause 6, p. 165 

Grand Lodge degree conferred Clause 6, p. 165; 

Clause 9, pp. 195-196 
Nominations for G. L. officers by. .Clause i,pp. 172-173 

Representatives to G. L. must be Clause 1, p. 165 

Roll of Sec. 9, pp. 195-196 

Visiting Past Grands may vote.. Clause 2, pp. 173-174 

PAST GRAND MASTERS: 

Debating by allowed Clause 3, p. 164 

Mileage not allowed Clause 3, p. 164 

Motion by allowed Clause 3, p. 164 

Per diem not allowed Clause 3, p. 164 

Voting by not allowed Clause 3, p. 164 

PENALTIES AND TRIALS Sec. 4, pp. 222-228 

PETITIONS FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENTS. . . Sec. 7, 

pp. 192-193 
PROXY REPRESENTATIVES: 

Cannot be representative and proxy. . .Clause 3, p. 166 

Certificate for .p. 194 

Election of Clause 2, pp. 165-166 

Powers of Clause 2, p. 165-166 

Qualifications for .Clause 2, pp. 165-166 



INDEX. 309 

Q. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

For alternate representative Clause i, p. 165 

For membership in G. L Clause 1, p. 164 

For Noble Grand Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 229 

For officer in G. L Sec. 3 , Clause 1 ,p. 172 

For officer in Subordinate lodge. .Sec. 3, Clause 1, p. 229 

For proxy representative Clause 2, pp. 165-166 

For representative in Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 165 

Of witnesses at trials Rule 14, p. 248 

R. 

REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED MEMBERS Sec. 

3, pp. 219-222 

REMOVAL OF: 

Grand Lodge officers Clause 1, pp. 175-176 

Vacancy caused by. . . .Art. 3, Clause 1, p. 166; Sec. 7, 

p. 176 

REPORTS BY SUBORDINATE LODGES. .. Clauses 2-3 

pp. 184-186; Sec. 2, pp. 235-236 

REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE: 

Cannot be proxy representative Clause 3, p. 166 

Certificate for p. 193 

Election of Clause 1, p. 165 

Members of Grand Lodge Clause 1, p. 164 

Number of allowed Clause 4, p. 164 

Pay of Clause 5, pp. 164-165 

Qualifications for Clause 1, p. 165 

Term of office Clause 1, p. 165 

Vacancy in office of Clause 6, pp. 231-232 

RESUSCITATION OF LODGE. .. Sec. 1, pp. 190-191; 

Clause 4, pp. 220-221 

RETURNS FROM SUBORDINATE LODGES Sec. 2, 

Clause 1, p. 235 

RULES GOVERNING TRIALS pp. 241-256 



310 INDEX. 

S. 
SECRETARY OF SUBORDINATE LODGE: 

Duties of Sec. 8, p. 195 ; Sec. 2, Clause 1, p. 229 

Past Grands certificate filled out by Sec. 8, p. 195 

Representatives certificate filled out by. .Sec. 8, p. 195 
Votes for G. L. officers counted by. .Clause 2, pp. 173-174 

STANDING COMMITTEES (see Grand Lodge Committees). 

STATIONERY OF G. L. PROVIDED BY: 

Clause 4, pp.. 168-169 

SUBORDINATE LODGES (see Lodges, Subordinate). 

SUSPENSION OF SUBORDINATE MEMBERS. .. .Sec. 3, 

pp. 219-222, 

T. 
TERM OF: 

Office in Subordinate lodges Clause 4, p. 23a 

Office of Financial Secretary Sec. 1, p. 228; Clause 

4, p. 230 

Office of Recording Secretary Sec. 1, p. 228 

Office of Representative to G. L Clause 1, p. 165 

Office of Treasurer Sec. 1, p. 228; Clause 4, 230 

TREASURER OF REBEKAH ASSEMBLY: 

Bonds of Clause 10, pp. 233-234 

TRIALS: 

Accused guilty of contempt Rule 4, p. 244 

Accused purged of contempt Clause 5, p. 224 

Argument of case Rule 11, pp. 246-247 

Chairman of Trial Committee Rule 1, p. 243 

Contempt in case of Rule 4, p. 244 

Counsel may be had Rule 3, p. 243 

Evidence in Sec. 2, pp. 247-250 

Findings of Trial Committee Rule 12, p. 247 

Forms for pp. 252-256 

Laws regarding pp. 222-228 

Official notification of Rules 1-2, p. 243 

Order of charges in Rules 5-9, pp. 244-245 



INDEX. 311 

TRIALS— Continued : 

Rules governing pp. 243-256 

Witnesses Sec. 2, pp. 247-250 

U. 
UNLAWFUL: 

Use of funds Sec. 2-3, p. 191 

Use of name, emblems, or mottoes Sec. 10, p. 196 

V. 
VACANCIES IN: 

Grand Lodge filled by G. M. . . .Sec. 7, Clause 1, p. 176 
Office of Noble Grand. . . .Sec. 3, Clause 1, pp. 229-230 

Office of representative Clause 6, p. 232 

Office of Vice Grand Sec. 3, Clause 1, pp. 229-230 

VIOLATION OF JURISDICTION. .. Sec. 1, pp. 201-204 

W. 
WHAT CONSTITUTES A LODGE. Art 1, Clause 1, p. 211 

WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE IN TRIALS. . . pp. 247-250 

Y. 
YEAR BOOK FOR PAST GRANDS Sec. 9. p. 195 



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